In vivo experiments with mesothelial cell seeded ePTFE vascular grafts.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influence of mesothelial cell (MC) seeding on patency and neointimal formation of small diameter ePTFE grafts in a canine model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MC were isolated from the omentum, cultured, seeded on fibronectin-coated ePTFE grafts (4 cm, 4 mm ID), and implanted in the carotid artery of five Beagle dogs. Each dog also received a non-seeded control graft. Patency was assessed by palpation immediately after implantation, and non-invasively by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) after 1 week and just prior to sacrifice (4 weeks). Intimal thickness was quantified on histological sections by use of computer-aided morphometry.

RESULTS

All grafts were patent after implantation. After 1 week, MRA showed the loss of lumen diameter in two seeded grafts. After 4 weeks, two seeded grafts were occluded, one seeded graft was severely stenosed, and all others were without angiographic lumen reduction. Histology and morphometry confirmed that two seeded grafts were occluded, and demonstrated that the other three seeded grafts showed significantly more intima formation (0.22-1.34 mm) than the control grafts (< 0.08 mm; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The MC seeding process decreases patency and increases neointimal formation of small diameter ePTFE grafts in dogs and does not seem to be useful for reduction of graft thrombogenicity.