Surgical procedure for acellular vascular xenografts testing in sheep carotid artery

Harpa, Marius Mihai; Puscas, Alexandra Iulia; Anitei, Emanuel David; Simionescu, Dan Teodor; Truta, Raluca Ionela; Al-Hussein, Hamida; Cotfas, Ionela; Ghiragosian, Claudiu; Banceu, Cosmin Marian; Capilna, Tudor; Suciu, Horatiu; Al-Hussein, Hussam

doi:10.2478/amma-2024-0024

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and reproducibility of our surgical technique for implanting decellularized vascular xenografts in the carotid artery of sheep.

Methods

Acellular porcine carotid arteries were implanted as interposition xenografts in seven sheep. An intravascular shunt was used for cerebral protection, and a flowmeter was utilized to assess graft performance.

Results

There were no intraoperative deaths or postoperative neurological complications observed. Acute graft thrombosis occurred in one sheep during surgery, but was successfully managed with thrombectomy to restore blood flow. Post-implantation flowmetry and Doppler ultrasound confirmed graft functionality.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the successful application of our surgical method for implanting decellularized vascular xenografts in the carotid artery of sheep. The implanted grafts maintained patency, normal blood flow, and favorable wound healing and neurological outcomes post-surgery.

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