30. NEW VASCULAR IMPLANT VALIDATION: PRECLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The main cause of death in the world are pathologies associated with the cardiovascular system. Tissue engineering is a promising technology as a clinical treatment, since it enables the design of vascular grafts capable of replacing or repairing the biological functions of blood vessels. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a synthetic material that shows strong potential in the field of tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs). The thermoplastic polymer has piezoelectric properties, exhibits excellent physicochemical and biological performance, mechanical properties, high levels of cell viability and biocompatibility, which promotes endothelial cell proliferation, a key factor in maintaining vascular permeability. Methods Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) were fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Twelve female Merino sheep were utilized in this experimental model, with a division into two groups: a PVDF test group and an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) control group. Results PVDF grafts showed better outcomes than commercial grafts in terms of patency and endothelialization. Conclusion These results suggest that PVDF test grafts may present better efficacy compared to commercial ePTFE grafts in most of the established parameters, while commercial grafts appear to present better safety than PVDF test grafts. Further statistical studies are needed to determine if the observed differences are statistically significant.