ABSTRACT
We evaluated the use of an automated, point-of-care instrument to derive canine adipose stromal vascular fraction cells, and the subsequent deposition of these cells onto the luminal surface of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular graft for use as a bypass graft. The hypothesis evaluated was that an instrument requiring minimal user interface will provide a therapeutic dose of cells to improve the patency of synthetic vascular grafts in an autologous animal model of graft patency. The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells were isolated using an automated adipose tissue processing and cell isolation system and cells sodded onto the surface of an ePTFE vascular graft. Control grafts, used off-the-shelf without cell treatment were used as a control to assess patency effects. Each animal received a control, untreated graft implanted in one carotid artery, and the cell-treated graft implanted in the carotid artery on the contralateral side. The grafts were implanted for 6 months utilizing 12 animals. Results indicate a fully automated adipose tissue processing system will consistently produce functional autologous cells for immediate use in the operating room. Cell-sodded polymeric grafts exhibited improved patency compared to control grafts after 6 month implantation in the canine carotid artery model.
