Experimental implantation of human umbilical vein grafts in dogs.

Locally produced human umbilical vein grafts (HUVG), using glutaraldehyde as a stabilizing agent, were implanted into 24 mongrel dogs. Different arterial bypass procedures, using HUVG, were carried out in three experimental groups. In Group I, 2 dogs underwent femorofemoral crossover bypass procedures and 6 dogs received aortoiliac bypass procedures. Thrombus formation was found in all HUVG implants of Group I. In Group II, 8 dogs received abdominal aorta HUVG interposition. In Group III, 8 dogs received abdominal aorta HUVG bypass procedures. Patent HUVG implants without thrombus formation, demonstrated by postoperative angiogram, were found in 6 dogs of Group II and 5 dogs of Group III. Morphological and histological studies of the patent HUVG implants retrieved after sacrifice showed on sign of rejection, biodegeneration, or aneurysmal formation. Our preliminary experience with this cost-effective locally produced human umbilical vein graft material was promising and may pave the way to further clinical applications.