Endothelial seeding of vascular prostheses: a technique of in situ enzymatic retrieval of endothelial cells without vein sacrifice.

The success of endothelial seeding of vascular prosthetic grafts is largely dependent on endothelial cell retrieval. An in situ cell harvesting technique using enzymatic dissolution in a temporarily excluded segment of the internal jugular vein is described. With this technique the cellular yield is adequate and the internal jugular vein remains patent. This technique allows for high-density seeding in a single stage. In two-stage seeding the excellent yield of cells reduces the duration of in vitro endothelial cell culture and allows for secondary massive and early seeding.