Controlled flow studies in 4 mm endothelialized dacron grafts.

Endothelial cell seeding of 4 mm ID double velour dacron vascular grafts promoted luminal endothelial cell surfacing and improved small-diameter graft performance as evidenced by the following: Flow rates through endothelial cell seeded grafts were higher than through nonseeded control grafts. With increasing postsurgical time the flow rates through seeded grafts increased as a consequence of greater luminal endothelial cell coverage. During low flow conditions endothelial cell seeded grafts retained thrombus-free surface characteristics whereas thrombus accumulated during low flow in nonseeded grafts. Some nonseeded grafts occluded during low flow. The ability of seeded grafts to retain thrombus-free surfaces during low flow increased with increasing postoperative time as a consequence of greater luminal endothelial cell coverage. Endothelial cell seeding is an efficacious approach to maintaining graft patency during conditions of reduced blood flow.