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Effect of laser perforation on the remodeling of acellular matrix grafts
Author(s) -
Bergmeister Helga,
Boeck Peter,
Kasimir MarieTheres,
Fleck Tatjana,
Fitzal Florian,
Husinsky Wolfgang,
Mittlboeck Martina,
Stoehr Hans Georg,
Losert Udo,
Wolner Ernst,
Grabenwoeger Martin
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part b: applied biomaterials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1552-4981
pISSN - 1552-4973
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.b.30228
Subject(s) - perforation , medicine , materials science , composite material , punching
Autologous cells migrate only slightly into acellular matrix grafts. This study was carried out in small‐diameter, allogeneic matrix grafts to investigate the effects on cell repopulation and remodeling caused by increased wall porosity induced by laser perforation. Allogeneic ovine carotid arteries were decellularized by dye‐mediated photooxidation (Photofix™). Matrix grafts (10 cm × 4 mm i.d.) were perforated with holes of 50 μm diameter at a density of 50 holes/cm 2 using a Ti–sapphire laser. The grafts were implanted in the carotid arteries of 10 sheep and were compared to nonperforated grafts implanted contralaterally. The prostheses were retrieved after 6 weeks or 3 or 6 months following implantation and were evaluated by histologic examination, immunohistochemical staining, and scanning electron microscopy. All grafts, except one of the perforated specimens, remained patent. Perforated implants, examined at 6 weeks, showed faster recellularization with endothelial cells than did the corresponding contralateral controls. Perforated grafts, examined at 6 months, showed a significantly thicker neointima and clear signs of neovascularization: endothelial cells, basal lamina, elastic fibers, circular and longitudinally orientated smooth muscle cells in comparison to nonperforated specimens. Repopulation of the decellularized matrix with host cells was higher in the perforated than in the nonperforated prostheses. These results suggest that the increased matrix porosity induced by laser perforation promotes graft remodeling and reconstitution with host cells. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2005