Seeding HSVECs on small-caliber vascular grafts for the endothelialization

Abstract

Objective To study the feasibility of seeding human saphenous vein endothelial cells (HSVECs) onto luminal surface of prosthetic grafts for the endotheliazation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) small diameter artificial blood vessel. Methods HSVECs were harvested and cultured in vitro for 13-15 days. The proliferated HSVECs were seeded onto the surface of ePTFE small diameter pros thetic grafts precoated with fibrin glue. After another 9-12 days of culture, morphological change was observed under scanning electron microscope. Results After seeding the cells, the adhesion, crawling and spreading of the HSVECs were observed onto the surface of ePTFE prosthetic graft under the scanning electron microscopy. On the 12th day, surface of ePTFE prosthetic graft was covered completely with endothelial monolayer. Conclusion Endothelial cells derived from human saphanous veins can be used as seed cells for the endothelialization of ePTFE prosthetic graft. Key words: Vascular endothelial cell; Proliferation; Vascular grafts