EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS OF A CROSS-LINKED, HEPARIN-MODIFIED, ACELLULAR VASCULAR GRAFT IMPLANTATION IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the results of a glutaraldehyde-crosslinked, heparin-coated, decellularized human umbilical artery (HG-DUA) graft in an abdominal aortic replacement model in rats. Methods: HG-DUA grafts were implanted as infrarenal aortic interposition grafts in rats (n = 10). The post-transplant graft observation was carried out at 21 days (n = 5) and 60 days (n = 5) postoperatively. An autologous graft group served as the control (n = 10). Graft patency, aneurysm formation, calcification, and histological changes were assessed through sonography and histology. Results: A 100% post-operative survival rate was achieved, and all grafts remained patent at the 60-day endpoint. Ultrasound imaging revealed no signs of aneurysmal dilatation or stenosis of the graft vessel between day 21 and day 60 post-transplantation. Histological analysis of the neointima on day 21 showed the presence of flattened, Vwf-positive endothelial cells and spindle-shaped cells in the tunica media. Notably, no evidence of calcified plaque deposition was observed up to day 60. Conclusion: The HG-DUA graft exhibited excellent mechanical stability, patency, and biocompatibility, with no significant complications observed at 21 and 60 days post-implantation.
Keywords
Decellularization, Umbilical artery, Glutaraldehyde crosslinking
Article Details
References
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