Comparison of Preserved Vascular Allografts Using Glycerol and University of Wisconsin Solution in a Goat Carotid Artery Transplantation Model

Abstract

Background: Prosthetic grafts have poor patency rates in peripheral arterial reconstructions. Glycerol (GL)-preserved grafts are an alternative. The aim of this study was to examine patency, graft morphology and function of GL-preserved allografts in a goat carotid artery animal model. Methods: The first group (n = 7) underwent bilateral replacement of the carotid artery by a carotid allograft that was preserved in GL for 1 week. In the second group (n = 5), a carotid artery allograft that was preserved in University of Wisconsin solution (UW) for 48 h was used. In the third group (n = 5), the jugular vein (autologous vein, AU) was used. The follow-up was 3 months. Results: One UW graft and 1 GL graft occluded in the first 24 h postoperatively. Three-month primary patency rates for GL, UW and AU grafts were 93, 100 and 80%, respectively (p = 0.39). Graft diameter was increased in UW allografts (p < 0.005), whereas GL allografts remained unchanged. After explantation, GL allografts demonstrated contraction and relaxation capacity and lower intimal thickness (p < 0.001). Conclusion: GL preservation has proven to be a feasible method for arterial allograft transplantation in a large animal model with decreased intimal hyperplasia and renewed functional capability.

Elastic, double-layered poly (l-lactide-co-ϵ-caprolactone) scaffold for long-term vascular reconstruction

“…Among the many factors determining the patency of artificial grafts, compliance mismatch between native arteries and artificial grafts is a major factor of graft failure. 3,8,26,27,[31][32][33][34][35] The aim of a biodegradable vascular graft is to combine the practical advantages of a synthetic graft for clinical use with better biological performance of the regenerated natural tissues over the long term. A synthetic graft that has the potential to promote autologous tissue regeneration without any seeding is more practical than a seeded graft since the manufacturing and pretreatment processes of seeded grafts are complicated, invasive, and time-consuming.…”

“…The concept of tissue engineering using biodegradable materials, such as poly(lactic acid), poly(caprolactone), and poly(glycolic acid) and their copolymers, has been proposed for regenerative vascular grafts. 3,8,26,27,[31][32][33][34][35] The aim of a biodegradable vascular graft is to combine the practical advantages of a synthetic graft for clinical use with better biological performance of the regenerated natural tissues over the long term. Therefore, to achieve long-term success with biodegradable vascular grafts, proper regeneration of the vessel wall must occur.…”

Characterization of fracture behavior of human atherosclerotic fibrous caps using a miniature single edge notched tensile test

“…Two plaque specimens generated multiple samples from the same patients (Samples III and IV; Samples VII and VIII). The excised specimens were immediately immersed in Belzer UW Cold Storage Solution (Bridge to Life Ltd., Columbia, SC, USA), a solution which helps to maintain organ viability prior to transplant [20,21], and were kept between 4 °C and 10 °C until testing. All mechanical testing was completed within 48 h of tissue harvest.…”

Investigation of a method for long-term preservation of the vascular allograft

“…Fahner et al demonstrated that preservation of arterial allografts with glycerol is a feasible method in a large animal model with decreased intimal hyperplasia and renewed contraction and relaxation capability of the vessel wall in comparison with UW solution. 39 Gewartowska et al demonstrated that anhydrous sodium chloride could preserve arterial allografts for a prolonged period, maintaining the structure of the arterial wall, its patency and function after transplantation in a rat aorta implantation model. 40 It was also found that the immunogenicity is reduced to a low level with anhydrous sodium chloride.…”