title: Tracheal cartilage - evaluating the potential of a novel biomaterial for reconstructive cardiovascular procedures.
abstract: Modern cardiovascular medicine aims for procedures that preferably involve biological materials and, ideally, living implants. Thereby, the regenerative capacity of the target organ may be preserved or even supported, with a potential implant growth capacity during the following time. In the current study we sought to evaluate the integrative capacity of vital and non-vital tracheal cartilage rings (TCRs) of allogenic or xenogenic origin (allo-/xeno-vTCR; allo-/xeno-nvTCR) as biomaterials under the in vivo functional load of the circulatory system. Ovine and porcine vTCRs and nvTCRs were implanted in the mitral valve (MV) position for 3 and 9 months (n = 3 each), respectively, in lambs. MV function and TCR position were analysed by echocardiography. Tissue morphology (planimetry), vitality (live/dead-assay) and implant endothelialization (scanning electron microscopy) were analysed. No functional impairment or significant MV insufficiency or stenosis was observed in any group. TCR shrinkage was observed in all xeno-TCRs and allo-nvTCRs at 3 months. Only TCRs of allogenic groups at 9 months and allo-vTCRs at 3 months showed a ring area comparable to its size at implantation. Moreover, allogenic vital cartilage showed superior tissue integration, greater endothelialization, less inflammation and calcification. Interestingly, in this group viable cartilage cells were found up to 9 months after implantation. Allogenic viable cartilage may represent a well-suited living material for reconstructive cardiovascular procedures, and further studies are warranted to elucidate the benefits of this novel material, particularly as a structurally supportive component in growing recipients.
authors: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors: Jan-Philipp
authors: JP
authors: Minol
authors: Hassina
authors: H
authors: Baraki
authors: Payam
authors: P
authors: Akhyari
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Bagaev
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Suprunov
authors: Gudrun
authors: G
authors: Brandes
authors: Christoph
authors: C
authors: Bara
authors: Waldemar
authors: W
authors: Hort
authors: Christof
authors: C
authors: Hurschler
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Sigler
authors: Axel
authors: A
authors: Haverich
authors: Andres
authors: A
authors: Hilfiker
authors: Artur
authors: A
authors: Lichtenberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures; D002356:Cartilage / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012756:Sheep; D034421:Sus scrofa; D014132:Trachea / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials