ABSTRACT
Background : Cardiovascular surgery involves the use of several artificial materials as graft vessels. Although artificial blood vessels of medium and large diameters currently present a satisfactory patency and durability, those of small diameter remain inferior to one's own vessels to prevent issues such as early thrombosis and vascular stenosis. The present study aimed to investigate the functionality of decellularized tissues that hold structures and growth factors derived from a living body. Methods : Mini pigs were used for the study. The bovine-derived decellularized blood vessels were transplanted into the pigs' carotid artery, and no anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs were used after the surgery. The blood vessels were dissected and evaluated for patency and tissue staining. Result : The patency of the blood vessels was confirmed in all cases ; however, a thrombus was confirmed in one transplanted vessel. Pathological findings showed maintenance of the blood vessel structure, presenting no issues with collagen or elastin. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that biologically derived decellularized blood vessels are highly functional and present an intact luminal basement membrane, even without antiplatelet therapy. This study suggested that decellularized blood vessels can potentially help in the development of medical devices with higher functionality than that of the existing materials.