Abstract
Although artificial vessels are available for large
diameter arteries, there are no artificial vessels
for small diameter arteries of < 4 mm. We created
a decellularized vascular scaffold (length, 10 mm;
outer diameter, 1.5 mm; inner diameter, 1.3 mm)
from rat abdominal arteries. We measured the
biomechanical characteristics of the scaffolds,
implanted them to defects made in rat carotid
arteries, and evaluated their patency and the
endothelial cell linings. Silastic grafts were
implanted as controls. The decellularized scaffolds
demonstrated similar mechanical characteristics
to normal arteries. All of the control grafts were
occluded. Fibroblast-like cells were discovered
in the thrombus, and fibrous organization was
apparent. In contrast, patency of the grafts in
10 of 12 animals was observed 4 weeks after
implantation. The internal cavity of the patent
scaffold was completely lined by endotheliallike
cells. Thus, the possibility of small artery
reconstruction using decellularized scaffolds was
demonstrated.
