Introduction: Although saphenous vein grafts are widely used conduits for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, their clinical value remains limited due to high failure rates. The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility, safety, and biocompatibility of peritoneal derived vascular grafts (PDVG) formed on a silicone-coated, latex, Foley catheter in a stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1)- enriched environment.
Methods: Foley catheters were implanted into the parietal wall of 8 sheep. After 21 days the peritoneal cavity was re-opened and the newly formed tissue fragments were harvested. The animals were randomly assigned into: (1) study group in which conduits were incubated in a solution containing SDF-1, (2) control group without SDF-1 incubation. Left carotid arteries were accessed and "end-to-side" anastomoses were performed. Biological materials for histological examination were taken at 4, 7, 10, and 14 days.
Results and conclusions: The study proved safety, feasibility, and biocompatibility of PDVG formed on the basis of a silicone-coated, latex catheter in an SDF-1 chemokine-enriched environment. These biological grafts effectively integrated with the native high-pressure arterial environment in an ovine model and provided favorable vascular profile. The potential clinical value of this technology needs to be further elucidated in long-term preclinical and clinical studies.