Abstract
A newly devised hybrid vascular graft was developed, into which design concepts of biomechanical compatibility and antithrombogenicity were incorporated. The graft consisted of three components, polyurethane tube (ID=3mm, Length; 5cm), complex gel of type I collagen and dermatan sulfate as artificial basement membrane (ABM), and in vitro constructed endothelial cell (EC) layer. Eighteen grafts were implanted bilaterally into the carotid arteries of nine dogs for up to 26 weeks. The patent grafts showed the high degree of endothelialization more than 90%. This result was explained by the biologic activities of the ABM, such as enhanced adhesion and growth of ECs, reduced adhesion of platelets and a high resistance to the shear stress. A little hyperplasia at the anastomotic site was observed after 12 weeks of implantation. The synergistic activity of a compliant vascular graft and ECs might lead this good result.
