We would like to thank Professor Anders Jeppsson for help with providing blood vessels used in the experiments. This study was financed by the LUA ALF grant to SSH.

The tissue used, and the protocol of this paper follows the ethical guidelines of Gothenburg University.
1. Tissue Preparation and Storage
<ol>
	<li>Cut the surrounding tissue from the retrieved saphenous vein using surgical forceps and scissors. 
	NOTE: The saphenous vein is dissected from the lower limb of humans by vascular surgeons. The saphenous vein used in this paper is an un-used part after bypass surgery.</li>
	<li>To prevent leakage during perfusion, ligate all the side branches at their ends with sutures and forceps.</li>
	<li>Keep the vein in a 50 mL tube containing 40 mL of phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Wash the vein by changing PBS 2 - 3 times to remove excess blood. Store the vein by freezing at -80 &#176;C.</li>
</ol>
2. Preparation of Decellularization Setups and Recellularization Bioreactor
NOTE: Using scissors, cut the silicon tubes as shown in Table 1.
<ol>
	<li>Decellularization Setup 1 (For Triton X-100 perfusion and washing)
	<ol>
		<li>To a 2 L chamber (plastic tub), tape all three pieces of tube A as shown in Figure 1A. 
		NOTE: Tape one tube to one wall where the edge touches the bottom of the chamber (detergent&#39;s inlet) and the other two tubes to the opposite wall with a distance of 5 - 10 cm in between depending on the length of the vein. At least 5 cm of these tubes should also be taped to the chamber&#39;s floor (vein&#39;s inlet and outlet).</li>
		<li>Using the male and female Luer connectors, connect in series the detergent&#39;s inlet tube to tube B followed by tube F, tube C and finally to the vein inlet. Place the tube F into the cassette of the peristaltic pump I.</li>
		<li>Take another tube C and connect one end to the vein&#39;s outlet. Place the other end into the glass jar with the bottom hose outlet that is placed 45 cm above the chamber (detergent outlet) and tape it to secure. Take tube G and push one end into the hose outlet of the glass jar and place the other end into the vein chamber. 
		NOTE: The pictures of complete setup (red arrows), chamber, and flow direction (white arrows) are shown in Figure 1A.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Decellularization Setup 2 (For TnBP perfusion)
	<ol>
		<li>Take a 1 L glass jar, and place one end of tube C (detergent inlet) into the jar until the tube touches the jar&#39;s bottom.</li>
		<li>Connect the other end to tube F followed by tube C. Place the other end of tube C into the jar until half depth (vein&#39;s inlet). Place tube F into the cassette of peristaltic pump I.</li>
		<li>Take tube D and place one end into the jar (vein&#39;s outlet) until half depth and the other end into the glass jar with the bottom hose placed at a 45 cm height from the vein&#39;s inlet (detergent outlet). To secure, tape the detergent&#39;s inlet and outlet tubes.</li>
		<li>Place the 1 L glass jar on a magnetic stirrer and keep the magnet inside the bottle.</li>
		<li>Take tube G and push one end onto the hose outlet of the glass jar and place the other end into 1 L glass jar. 
		NOTE: The picture of complete setup (red arrows), chamber and flow direction (white arrows) is shown in Figure 1B.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Decellularization Setup 3 (For DNase perfusion)
	<ol>
		<li>Take a 250 mL glass bottle and place both ends of tube C. Place the middle area of the tube into the cassette of peristaltic pump II. 
		NOTE: One end of the tube is the solution inlet and the other end of the tube is connected to the vein&#39;s inlet. The vein&#39;s outlet is left free in solution.</li>
		<li>Place the whole setup including pump at 37 &#176;C. The picture of complete setup and flow direction is shown in Figure 1C.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Recellularization Bioreactor
	<ol>
		<li>Keep ready all the parts as shown in Figure 2A.</li>
		<li>As shown in Figure 2B, take the 4-port cap and insert into each port, tube H (vein&#39;s outlet), tube I (media inlet), and tube J (vein&#39;s inlet). Insert the other end of tube H into the 4th port (media outlet). 
		NOTE: The view of the 4-port cap from the top is shown in Figure 2C. For easy insertion of tubes, cut the edges to a sharp point with a scissor.</li>
		<li>Bend the other end of tube J into a U shape and tie it with a suture. Connect the reducing connectors to the inner ends of tubes H &#38; J.</li>
		<li>Place the 60 mL tube with a flat base into the 250 mL glass bottle and then place the above made setup into the tube as shown in Figure 2D. As shown in Figure 2E, connect tubes K, E, and K in series. Connect one tube K to the vein&#39;s inlet and another tube K to the media inlet. 
		NOTE: The schematic diagram of the setup, and flow direction is seen in Figure 2F.</li>
		<li>Sterilize the bioreactor by autoclaving.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Preparation of Solutions
<ol>
	<li>Solution 1 (10x water): To 1 L of ultrapure water, add 2 g of sodium azide and 18.6 g of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Stir until salts are dissolved.</li>
	<li>Solution 2 (1x water): Take 100 mL of solution 1 and add 900 mL of ultrapure water.</li>
	<li>Solution 3 (5x Triton X-100): To 950 mL of ultrapure water, add 50 mL of Triton X-100, 1 g of sodium azide, and 9.3 g of EDTA. Stir until dissolved.</li>
	<li>Solution 4 (1x Triton X-100): Take 200 mL of solution 3 and add 800 mL of ultrapure water.</li>
	<li>Solution 5 (1x TnBP): Add 10 mL of TnBP with a 10 mL pipette to 990 mL of solution 2.</li>
	<li>Solution 6 (40 Kunitz units/mL DNase): Add 2,000 Kunitz units of DNaseI in 50 mL of Dulbecco&#39;s Phosphate Buffer Saline containing CaCl2 and MgCl2. Prepare fresh and use immediately.</li>
	<li>Solution 7 (PBS): Add 24 g of sodium chloride, 0.6 g of potassium chloride, 4.32 g of sodium phosphate, and 0.72 g of potassium phosphate to 3 L of ultrapure water. Stir until dissolved. Adjust the pH to 7.4. Sterilize 1 L of PBS in the autoclave and store separately.</li>
	<li>Solution 8 (0.1% Peracetic acid): To 50 mL of sterile solution 7, add 50 &#181;L of peracetic acid. Prepare fresh and use immediately.</li>
</ol>
4. Preparation of Endothelial Medium
<ol>
	<li>Add 5 mL of L-glutamine, 5 mL of anti-anti, 50 mL of human AB serum and all components of EGM-2 growth factor kit except fetal bovine serum to 500 mL of the MCDB131 medium under a sterile hood.</li>
</ol>
5. Decellularization of Saphenous Vein
<ol>
	<li>Thaw the human saphenous vein from -80 &#176;C at room temperature. Freeze again at -80 &#176;C and thaw again at room temperature.</li>
	<li>Cut a biopsy of 2 mm length using scissors and fix in formaldehyde for 24 - 48 h at room temperature. Tie each end of the vein to the barbs of a male and female Luer connector with a suture.</li>
	<li>Connect the vein to decellularization setup 1 and fill 1 L of solution 2. Perfuse for 15 min at 35 mL/min. Empty the contents of the setup.</li>
	<li>Add 1 L of solution 4 and perfuse for 4 h at 35 mL/min. Empty the contents of the setup.</li>
	<li>Add 500 mL of solution 2 and perfuse for 5 min. Empty the contents of the setup. Repeat this step. Disconnect the vein from perfusion setup 1 and connect to perfusion setup 2.</li>
	<li>Add 1 L of solution 5, turn on the stirrer and perfuse for 4 h at 35 mL/min. 
	NOTE: Solution 5 looks cloudy after turning on the stirrer and throughout perfusion.</li>
	<li>Disconnect the vein from perfusion setup 2 and wash the vein&#39;s outside and inside with syringe or a 10 mL pipette in 4 changes of ultrapure water for 5 - 10 min.</li>
	<li>Connect the vein to perfusion setup 3, add 50 mL of solution 6 and perfuse at 10 mL/min in a 37 &#176;C chamber for 4 h. Empty the contents of the setup and disconnect the vein from the setup.</li>
	<li>Connect the vein to perfusion setup 1, fill 1 L of solution 2 and perfuse overnight at 35 mL/min. Repeat step 5.4 to step 5.9 4 times (for a total of 5 cycles). Take a biopsy again as stated in step 5.2. 
	NOTE: Skip step 5.8 second part in cycles 1 and 3.</li>
	<li>Empty the contents of the setup. Fill 1 L of solution 2 and perfuse for 24 h at 35 mL/min. Change solution 2 after 12 h. Empty the contents of the setup. Fill 1L of the ultrapure water and perfuse for 24 h at 35 mL/min. Change the ultrapure water after 12 h.Empty the contents of the setup. Fill 1 L of solution 7 and perfuse for 24 h at 35 mL/min. Change solution 7 after 12 h.</li>
</ol>
6. Verification of Decellularization
<ol>
	<li>Wash the formalin fixed biopsies in ultrapure water for 15 min. Process in a tissue processor following standard protocols and embed in paraffin22.</li>
	<li>Cut 5 &#181;m sections using a microtome and stain with Meyer&#39;s hematoxylin and 0.2% alcoholic eosin (H&#38;E) following standard protocols22.</li>
	<li>View under a microscope to check for loss of nuclei in decellularized tissue compared to normal tissue.</li>
</ol>
7. Recellularization
<ol>
	<li>Sterilize the vein by placing it in a 50 mL tube containing 50 mL of solution 8. Agitate at 80 rotations per minute (rpm) in the shaker for 1 h at 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Handle the vein under the laminar flow (LAF) cabinet from now on to maintain sterility. Transfer the vein using sterile forceps to a new 50 mL tube containing 50 mL of sterile solution 7 and 500 &#181;L of anti-anti. Agitate as above for 12 h. Change Solution 7 at least twice in between.</li>
	<li>Using sterile forceps, transfer the vein to a new 50 mL tube and add 50 mL of endothelial media. Agitate as above for 11 h.</li>
	<li>Assemble the bioreactor using sterile gloves under the LAF cabinet. Tie the vein to the bioreactor&#39;s vein inlet and outlet with sterile suture and forceps.</li>
	<li>Connect the vein to the bioreactor and fill with the same medium. Add heparin at 50 IU/mL and perfuse for 1 h at 2 mL/min in 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Collect 15 - 25 mL of fresh blood (depending on the vein&#39;s length) from the donor in heparin coated vacutainer tubes and dilute 1:1 with Steen solution. Later, add endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF, 80 ng/mL), basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF, 4 &#181;L/mL) and acetyl salicylic acid (5 &#181;g/mL).</li>
	<li>Move the bioreactor to a 37 &#176;C incubator with 5% CO2 and perfuse for 48 h at 2 mL/min.</li>
	<li>Approximately after 12 h, move the bioreactor to a LAF cabinet, take a drop of blood and measure glucose using a blood glucose monitoring device. If the level is less than 3 mmol/L, add glucose to bring in the range of 7 - 9 mmol/L. Repeat this step every 8 - 12 h.</li>
	<li>After 48 h, move the bioreactor into the LAF cabinet and drain the blood from the bioreactor. Add 30 mL of sterile solution 7 and perfuse for 5 min. Drain the solution. Add 30 mL of sterile solution 7 and perfuse for 5 min. Repeat twice or until the blood red color is lost. 
	NOTE: The biopsy can be taken for verification of the cell attachment. Disconnect the vein, cut 5 mm edges of the vein with scissors and discard them. Take a biopsy as stated in step 5.2 and connect the vein again to the bioreactor (optional step).</li>
	<li>Add 30-45 mL of endothelial medium and perfuse for 96 h in the incubator at 2 mL/min. 
	NOTE: Add endothelial medium until the vein is submerged.</li>
	<li>Move the bioreactor into the LAF cabinet, disconnect the recellularized vein, cut 5 mm edges of the vein using scissors and discard. Take a biopsy as stated in step 5.2.</li>
</ol>
8. Verification of Recellularization
<ol>
	<li>Follow instructions in section 6 and perform H&#38;E staining. Examine the slides under a microscope for the presence of cells.</li>
</ol>

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<li>Gallus, A. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Aspirin+and+other+platelet-aggregation+inhibiting+drugs%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Medical+Journal+of+Asutralia%22%5BJournal%5D)">Aspirin and other platelet-aggregation inhibiting drugs.</a> Medical Journal of Asutralia. 142 (1), 41-47 (1985).</li>
</ol>

SSH holds shares in Verigraft, a company that has licensed the technology of tissue engineering blood vessels. The other authors have nothing to disclose.

The technique presented here for decellularization of saphenous veins is an easy, simple and cost-effective method that can also be applied to all small diameter veins like umbilical and mammary veins. The decellularization solutions and their concentrations used in this method are from our previous results6,7. Even though we recommend 5 cycles of decellularization, in certain veins we also noticed complete decellularization in 3 cycles. However, reproducible results were obtained by using 5 cycles. Applying this protocol, we decellularized veins of varying lengths up to 30 cm successfully (unpublished result). Lifting the decellularization solution&#39;s outlet by 45 cm will create a pressure of 33 mmHg inside the vein. In our experience, we noticed this as a key step in decellularizing the whole vein uniformly and reproducibly in 5 cycles. The chosen pressure is 3 times higher than the normal saphenous vein pressure (5 - 10 mmHg) but is the same as in incompetent veins (varicose veins)23. In addition, we speculate that this high pressure will create a significant force on vein walls and may, therefore, aid in efficient and faster cell removal.
Since TnBP is an organic solvent and insoluble in water, stirring the detergent until it becomes cloudy is important; otherwise, the detergent will float. For the same reason, to keep TnBP mixed in solution, the detergent&#39;s outlet tube was placed at the top of the glass jar with the hose outlet. Efficient removal of TnBP from the vein after its usage in every cycle can be seen by the absence of floating TnBP droplets in the washed water. We have also noticed that skipping the DNase step also produced a decellularized tissue but in a few cases, a comparatively high DNA content in the decellularized tissue was noticed. As high pressure and high flow rates are not required for efficient DNase activity, a low perfusion rate (10 mL/min) may be used. A different peristaltic pump was used as its smaller size helps in easy handling of the setup. Since we noticed that damage of most cells during decellularization results in cycle 2, we suggest skipping DNase treatment during cycles 1 and 3 (unpublished result). Even though the characterization and quantification of extracellular matrix proteins were not performed in this manuscript, our previous experience with similar decellularization protocols showed the preservation of biomechanical properties, extracellular matrix structure and proteins7. Though our preliminary quantification experiments with these veins produced a similar result (unpublished), our already published results will strengthen this confidence.
Recellularization using blood is a convenient and easy process over bone marrow expanded cells as one can avoid long cell expansion times, spontaneous mutations in expanded cells, surgical invasion, and discomfort for the patient. Since it is known that endothelialization can also occur from circulating EPCs, we hypothesized that perfusion with blood followed by perfusion with endothelial medium will be sufficient for recellularization. The safety of vein tissues engineered using a similar method is seen from successful results of transplantation when two such veins were implanted into children with extra hepatic portal vein obstruction7. We speculate that the growth factors in decellularized extracellular matrix will permit the attachment of circulating EPCs from blood24. Recellularization of veins following a similar protocol showed cells positive for VEGF receptor-2 and cluster of differentiation (CD) 14 on the lumen while CD45 expressing cells were seen in adventitia7. We also imagine that a continuous endothelial layer may not be observed in all cases especially when using blood from older and diseased patients as it is known that such individuals have decreased numbers of circulating progenitor cells25. However, we postulate that perfusion with the recipient&#39;s own blood may mask many of the antigens that are exposed because of decellularization and may thus decrease the chances of adverse inflammatory reactions when transplanted as opposed to transplanting only decellularized blood vessels. In addition, blood perfusion can deposit increased levels of growth factors on the lumen and adventitia which in turn may recruit increased numbers of circulating progenitor cells resulting in a rapid process of recellularization in vivo.
The advantages of the bioreactor design used in this study are complete autoclaving, easy assembly, cost-effectiveness, easy handling and the least possibility of damage. In our experience, using the current design, veins up to 10 cm in length were recellularized. Even though veins up to 25 cm in length can also be recellularized by keeping the vein in &#34;U&#34; shape inside the bioreactor, this should be validated. The bioreactor design shows that the direction of flow in the vein is against gravity and is designed as such because it is the normal direction of flow for these veins in humans. The 12 h perfusion of the endothelial medium step is to precondition the vein and increase the affinity for attachment of incoming EPCs. Addition of extra heparin and perfusion for 1 h will lower the risk of forming blood clots in the tubes during blood perfusion.
The volume of blood required is dependent on the length of the vein. The basic principle we follow for blood volume is that the vein should be submerged in blood. While handling blood volumes larger than 45 mL, occasional mixing might be required to prevent cell accumulation in the bottom of the bioreactor. We added Steen&#39;s solution to blood since it contains a high amount of proteins and components required to maintain tissues healthy during organ transplantation26,27. Addition of VEGF and b-FGF is beneficial as they are potent angiogenic growth factors28 and their presence induces migration, proliferation, and differentiation of EPCs29,30,31,32. The amount of VEGF added is based on our previous unpublished results where the proliferation of EPCs was seen at 80 ng/mL. Addition of aspirin inhibits the activation of platelets33 thereby decreasing the chances of their attachment to endothelial layer. Continuous monitoring and addition of glucose will also be beneficial for cell proliferation and preventing hemolysis of red blood cells.
Since only a simple blood sample is required from the recipient, it can be considered as an easy and feasible procedure requiring less technical expertise. Even though, the whole procedure shown here from start to finish takes 20 days, storing the decellularized veins as an off the shelf product will shorten the procedure to 8 days for patients. Although storage of decellularized veins technically should not affect the recellularization efficiency, it must be evaluated. Tissue-engineered veins generated following this procedure can be used in the clinic for bypass surgeries, replacing obstructed veins, venous insufficiency leading to varicose veins without the need for immune suppression and thus providing a better quality of life for the patient.

Vascular conduits are required for several clinical conditions like aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis and atherosclerosis leading to severe vascular problems. Surgeons use autologous, allogeneic or synthetic vascular conduits to restore the functional blood supply. Although the use of autologous blood vessels is still considered the ideal approach, the availability in patients is majorly limited. The alternatives such as allogeneic or synthetic grafts have profound problems with immunosuppressive treatments and poor patency leading to reoperation1,2, resulting in major health economic burdens to countries. Tissue engineering of blood vessels aims to provide grafts with a natural homology and autologous cells. Thus, the recipient immune system recognizes the transplanted graft as the self and since such a graft contains the natural proteins and cells in the original configuration, it might function better in comparison to the current alternatives. Tissue engineered organs, such as the bladder3, the urethra4, the trachea5, and veins6,7, have been successfully used in the clinic.
Tissue engineering to produce personalized grafts requires a graft from a donor followed by decellularization and recellularization. Decellularization is a promising technology to remove cells from tissues and organs8,9,10. Decellularization can be performed by specific physical, chemical and enzymatic methods11 or by combining them. At optimal usage of these methods, decellularized tissues can have similar structural and functional proteins in an extracellular matrix similar to native tissues. Such organs possess the intrinsic capacity to enhance attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of incoming stem cells.
Recellularization is a dynamic process of seeding cells into the graft, and recipient stem cells can be used for clinical transplantation. Stem cells currently used for such purposes include bone marrow, mesenchymal and organ residents3,5,6. Animal and research-oriented studies have used stem cells from mesenchymal origins that are fetal and induced pluripotent12,13,14. This process requires a bioreactor (a chamber that holds the vein and provides the necessary conditions like temperature, gases, pH, and pressure), cells and culture media. The challenge in recellularization is to obtain the required number of cells of a particular type and a seeding strategy by which cells can reach whole tissue or organ. Even though no complete tissue or organ structurally and functionally has been generated and evaluated until now, several advancements in the field and initial results show the future possibility15. The key function of the vein lies in the luminal endothelium that controls infiltration of inflammatory cells into tissues and the middle smooth muscle layer that helps in constriction and also provides the strength to hold blood pressure16. Studies have demonstrated that during damage, endothelialization occurs either from anastomosis or from circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in blood17,18,19. Our strategy for recellularization of veins relies on the EPCs present in circulating blood.
Tissue engineering of veins and arteries was performed by several groups following different decellularization and recellularization strategies20,21. Our group has also performed and developed decellularization and recellularization strategies for iliac and mammary veins6,7. Decellularization was performed by agitation of the vein in Triton X-100, tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP), and enzyme deoxyribonuclease (DNase). The recellularization was performed using either bone marrow derived endothelial and smooth muscle cells6 or peripheral blood7. The veins recellularized by either protocol showed clinical promise in providing functional blood supply in transplantation of pediatric patients with extra hepatic portal vein obstruction6,7.
We have currently developed a modified version of the same protocol for the improved and easy performance of decellularization, recellularization and bioreactor handling of small diameter veins. The current decellularization protocol required perfusion of detergents through the vein using pressure instead of agitation with detergents. The recellularization protocol involves an additional step of preconditioning for improving cell adhesion and the addition of growth factors in circulating blood for improving cell adhesion, survival and proliferation. We have also improved the design of the bioreactor using commercially available products. In this paper, we present a detailed description of the modified protocol for performing decellularization and recellularization of human saphenous veins.

<table><tbody><tr><td>4-Port Cap</td><td>CPLabSafety</td><td>WF-GL45-4Kit</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Acetyl salicylic acid</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>A5376</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Anti-Anti</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>15240-062</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>B-FGF</td><td>Lonza</td><td>cc-4113B</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Blood Glucose monitoring system - Free style Lite</td><td>Abbott</td><td>70808-70</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>D-Glucose</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>G8769</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>DNase-I</td><td>Worthington</td><td>LS0020007</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dulbecco&#039;s PBS with CaCl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; and MgCl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>D8662</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EDTA disodium salt dihydrate</td><td>AlfaAesar</td><td>A15161.OB</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EGM-2 Growth Factors Kit</td><td>Lonza</td><td>CC-4176</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EG-VEGF</td><td>Peprotech</td><td>100-44</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Glass bottle 250ml</td><td>VWR</td><td>2151593</td><td>Any bottle with GL45 cap can be used</td></tr><tr><td>Glass bottle 1L</td><td>VWR</td><td>2151595</td><td>Any bottle with GL45 cap can be used</td></tr><tr><td>Glass jar 500ml with bottom hose outlet</td><td>Kimble Chase Life Science</td><td>14607</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Heparin</td><td>Leo</td><td>387107</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Heparin Coated Vacutainer Tubes</td><td>Becton Dickinson</td><td>368480</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Human AB Serum</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>H3667</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>L-Glutamine</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>25030-024</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Luer Female with 1/8&quot; ID Barb</td><td>Oina</td><td>LF-2PP-QC</td><td>For 3X5mm silicon tube</td></tr><tr><td>Luer Female with 3/32&quot; ID Barb</td><td>Oina</td><td>LF-1.5PP-QC</td><td>For 2X4mm silicon tube</td></tr><tr><td>Luer Male with 3/32&quot; ID Barb</td><td>Oina</td><td>LM-1.5PP-QC</td><td>For 2X4mm silicon tube</td></tr><tr><td>Luer Male with 1/8&quot; ID Barb</td><td>Oina</td><td>LM-2PP-QC</td><td>For 3X5mm silicon tube</td></tr><tr><td>Luer Male with 5/32&quot; ID Barb</td><td>Cole Parmer</td><td>EW-45518-06</td><td>For 5X8mm silicon tube</td></tr><tr><td>MCDB 131</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>10372-019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Per acetic acid</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>433241</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Peristaltic pump I</td><td>Masterflex</td><td>7524-45</td><td>For Decellularization setup 1 and 2. The cassette used is 7519-75</td></tr><tr><td>Peristaltic pump II</td><td>Ismatec</td><td>ISM941</td><td>For Decellularization setup 3 and Recellularization bioreactor.</td></tr><tr><td>Potassium chloride</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>P5405</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Potassium hydrogen phosphate</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>P9791</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reducing Connector 1.5mmX2.5mm</td><td>Biotech</td><td>ISM569A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Shaker</td><td>Ika</td><td>KS4000 i&amp;nbsp; control</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Azide</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>71290</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium chloride</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>13423</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium hydrogen phosphate</td><td>Merck</td><td>71640-M</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Steen solution</td><td>Xvivo</td><td>19004</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Suture</td><td>Agnthos</td><td>14817</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tri-n-butyl Phosphate</td><td>AlfaAesar</td><td>A16084.AU</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Triton-X-100</td><td>AlfaAesar</td><td>A16046.OF</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tube 60ml with flat base</td><td>Sarstedt</td><td>60596</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tube A</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280706</td><td>Cut 3 pieces, each of 25 cm length for decellularization perfusion steup 1 and 2</td></tr><tr><td>Tube B</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280706</td><td>Cut 1 piece of 35 cm length for decellularization perfusion steup</td></tr><tr><td>Tube C</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280706</td><td>Cut 5 pieces, each of 75 cm length for decellularization perfusion steups 1-3</td></tr><tr><td>Tube D</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280706</td><td>Cut 1 piece of 90 cm length for decellularization perfusion steup 2</td></tr><tr><td>Tube E</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280706</td><td>Cut 1 piece of 20 cm length for recellularization perfusion steup</td></tr><tr><td>Tube F</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280713</td><td>Cut 2 pieces, each of 15 cm length for decellularization perfusion steup 1 and 2</td></tr><tr><td>Tube G</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280713</td><td>Cut 2 pieces, each of 60 cm length for decellularization perfusion steup 1 and 2</td></tr><tr><td>Tube H</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280703</td><td>Cut 1 piece of 15 cm length for recellularization perfusion steup</td></tr><tr><td>Tube I</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280703</td><td>Cut 1 piece of 20 cm length for recellularization perfusion steup</td></tr><tr><td>Tube J</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280703</td><td>Cut 1 piece of 25 cm length for recellularization perfusion steup</td></tr><tr><td>Tube K</td><td>VWR</td><td>2280703</td><td>Cut 2 pieces, each of 35 cm length for recellularization perfusion steup</td></tr></tbody></table>

decellularization and recellularization methodology for human saphenous veins

Vascular conduits used during most vascular surgeries are allogeneic or synthetic grafts that often lead to complications caused by immunosuppression and poor patency. Tissue engineering offers a novel solution to generate personalized grafts with a natural extracellular matrix containing the recipient&#39;s cells using the method of decellularization and recellularization. We show a detailed method for performing decellularization of the human saphenous vein and recellularization by perfusion of peripheral blood. The vein was decellularized by perfusing 1% Triton X-100, 1% tri-n-butyl-phosphate (TnBP) and 2,000 Kunitz units of deoxyribonuclease (DNase). Triton X-100 and TnBP were perfused at 35 mL/min for 4 h while DNase was perfused at 10 mL/min at 37 &#176;C for 4 h. The vein was washed in ultrapure water and PBS and then sterilized in 0.1% peracetic acid. It was washed again in PBS and preconditioned in endothelial medium. The vein was connected to a bioreactor and perfused with endothelial medium containing 50 IU/mL heparin for 1 h. Recellularization was performed by filling the bioreactor with fresh blood, diluted 1:1 in Steen solution, and adding endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factors (80 ng/mL), basic fibroblast growth factors (4 &#181;L/mL), and acetyl salicylic acid (5 &#181;g/mL). The bioreactor was then moved into an incubator and perfused for 48 h at 2 mL/min while maintaining glucose between 3 - 9 mmol/L. Later, the vein was washed with PBS, filled with endothelial medium and perfused for 96 h in the incubator. Treatment with Triton X-100, TnBP and DNase decellularized the saphenous vein in 5 cycles. The decellularized vein looked white in contrast to normal and recellularized veins (light red). The hematoxylin &#38; eosin (H&#38;E) staining showed the presence of nuclei only in normal but not in decellularized veins. In the recellularized vein, H&#38;E-staining showed the presence of cells on the luminal surface of the vein.

The gross morphology of a normal vein is light red (Figure 3A). The red color is lost in progressive decellularization cycles (cycle 2, Figure 3B; cycle 3, Figure 3C) and by the 5th cycle, it looks pale and white (Figure 3D). The recellularized vein after blood perfusion (Figure 3E) and endothelial media perfusion (Figure 3F) looks bright red in color. The 5 cycles of decellularization treatment successfully removed the cells from the vein as no blue nuclei in the H&#38;E staining (Figure 4B) were seen. In contrast, several nuclei were seen in the normal vein (Figure 4A). The presence of attached cells on the luminal side is seen in H&#38;E staining in the recellularized vein with blood for 48 h (Figure 4C, black arrows) and after perfusion with the endothelial medium for 96 h (Figure 3D, black arrows).
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/57803/57803fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Assembling of perfusion setups for decellularization.&#160;A) The picture showing the assembled decellularization setup 1 for Triton X-100 and washing. The white arrows show the flow path for solutions and red arrows indicate inlets and outlets for vein and solutions. B) The picture showing the assembled decellularization setup 2 for TnBP perfusion. Similarly, as in decellularization setup 1, white arrows indicate the flow path for solutions and red arrows indicate inlets and outlets for vein and solutions. C) The picture showing the assembled decellularization setup 3 for deoxyribonuclease perfusion. The white arrows show the flow path for solutions and red arrows indicate inlets for vein and solutions. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/57803/57803fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/57803/57803fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2:&#160;Preparation and assembling of the bioreactor for recellularization.&#160;A) Picture showing materials required for assembling the bioreactor. B) Picture of the inside of 4-port cap showing the placement of reducing connectors (red arrows), points to connect vein inlet and outlet (white arrows) and arrangement of tubes H, I and J. The free end of tube H is placed into the bioreactor to return media. C) The respective tubes going in and out can be seen from the top side of 4 port cap. D) Picture showing the assembled bioreactor. E) Picture showing the whole bioreactor setup with the peristaltic pump. The tubes K extend connections from the bioreactor to the peristaltic pump. F) The schematic representation of whole bioreactor perfusion system. The orange arrows indicate the direction of flow. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/57803/57803fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/57803/57803fig3.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: Gross morphology of veins during decellularization and recellularization. A) The gross morphology of normal vein looks bright red in color. The color is lost with increasing numbers of decellularization cycles B) cycle 2 and C) cycle 3. D) By 5 cycles, the vein looks pale and white. The vein after perfusing with E) blood for 48 h and F) with the endothelial medium for 96 h looks once again bright red in color. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/57803/57803fig3large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 4" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/57803/57803fig4.jpg" /> 
Figure 4:&#160;Characterization of decellularized and recellularized veins. The hematoxylin and eosin staining image of A) normal vein contains many blue nuclei but they are absent in B) decellularized vein. In the vein recellularized with C) blood for 48 h and with D) endothelial medium for 96 h, attachment of cells (black arrows) at lumen was noticed.&#160;<a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/57803/57803fig4large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Decellularization and Recellularization Methodology for Human Saphenous Veins at JoVE.com

Decellularization and Recellularization Methodology for Human Saphenous Veins

Here, we describe a protocol for the saphenous vein decellularization using detergents and recellularization by perfusion of the peripheral blood and the endothelial medium.

Vascular conduits used during most vascular surgeries are allogeneic or synthetic grafts that often lead to complications caused by immunosuppression and ...

decellularization-recellularization-methodology-for-human-saphenous

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

14.2K Views.  University of Gothenburg. Hier beschrijven we een protocol voor de decellularization van de saphenous ader met behulp van detergenten en recellularization door perfusie van het perifere bloed en het endotheel medium.

Video: Decellularization and Recellularization Methodology for Human Saphenous Veins

Decellularization and Recellularization of Whole Livers

The liver is a complex organ which requires constant perfusion for delivery of nutrients and oxygen and removal of waste in order to survive1. Efforts to recreate or mimic the liver microstructure with grounds up approach using tissue engineering and microfabrication techniques have not been successful so far due to this design challenge. In addition, synthetic biomaterials used to create scaffolds for liver tissue engineering applications have been limited in inducing tissue regeneration and repair in large part due to the lack of specific cell binding motifs that would induce the proper cell functions2. Decellularized native tissues such blood vessels3and skin4on the other hand have found many applications in tissue engineering, and have provided a practical solution to some of the challenges. The advantage of decellularized native matrix is that it retains, to an extent, the original composition, and the microstructure, hence enhancing cell attachment and reorganization5.
In this work we describe the methods to perform perfusion-decellularization of the liver, such that an intact liver bioscaffold that retains the structure of major blood vessels is obtained. Further, we describe methods to recellularize these bioscaffolds with adult primary hepatocytes, creating a liver graft that is functional in vitro, and has the vessel access necessary for transplantation in vivo.

Perfusion decellularization is a novel technique to produce whole liver scaffolds that retains the organ's extracellular matrix composition and microarchitecture. Herein, the method of preparing whole organ scaffolds using perfusion decellularization and subsequent repopulation with hepatocytes is described. Functional and transplantable liver grafts can be generated using this technique.

The liver is a complex organ which requires constant perfusion for delivery of nutrients and oxygen and removal of waste in order to survive1. Efforts to ...

Autologous Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Seeding Technology and Biocompatibility Testing For Cardiovascular Devices in Large Animal Model

Implantable cardiovascular devices are manufactured from artificial materials (e.g. titanium (Ti), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), which pose the risk of thromboemboli formation1,2,3. We have developed a method to line the inside surface of Ti tubes with autologous blood-derived human or porcine endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)4. By implanting Ti tubes containing a confluent layer of porcine EPCs in the inferior vena cava (IVC) of pigs, we tested the improved biocompatibility of the cell-seeded surface in the prothrombotic environment of a large animal model and compared it to unmodified bare metal surfaces5,6,7 (Figure 1). This method can be used to endothelialize devices within minutes of implantation and test their antithrombotic function in vivo. 
Peripheral blood was obtained from 50 kg Yorkshire swine and its mononuclear cell fraction cultured to isolate EPCs4,8. Ti tubes (9.4 mm ID) were pre-cut into three 4.5 cm longitudinal sections and reassembled with heat-shrink tubing. A seeding device was built, which allows for slow rotation of the Ti tubes. 
We performed a laparotomy on the pigs and externalized the intestine and urinary bladder. Sharp and blunt dissection was used to skeletonize the IVC from its bifurcation distal to the right renal artery proximal. The Ti tubes were then filled with fluorescently-labeled autologous EPC suspension and rotated at 10 RPH x 30 min to achieve uniform cell-coating9. After administration of 100 USP/ kg heparin, both ends of the IVC and a lumbar vein were clamped. A 4 cm veinotomy was performed and the device inserted and filled with phosphate-buffered saline. As the veinotomy was closed with a 4-0 Prolene running suture, one clamp was removed to de-air the IVC. At the end of the procedure, the fascia was approximated with 0-PDS (polydioxanone suture), the subcutaneous space closed with 2-0 Vicryl and the skin stapled closed. 
After 3 - 21 days, pigs were euthanized, the device explanted en-block and fixed. The Ti tubes were disassembled and the inner surfaces imaged with a fluorescent microscope.
We found that the bare metal Ti tubes fully occluded whereas the EPC-seeded tubes remained patent. Further, we were able to demonstrate a confluent layer of EPCs on the inside blood-contacting surface.
Concluding, our technology can be used to endothelialize Ti tubes within minutes of implantation with autologous EPCs to prevent thrombosis of the device. Our surgical method allows for testing the improved biocompatibility of such modified devices with minimal blood loss and EPC-seeded surface disruption.

A method for seeding titanium blood-contacting biomaterials with autologous cells and testing biocompatibility is described. This method uses endothelial progenitor cells and titanium tubes, seeded within minutes of surgical implantation into porcine venae cavae. This technique is adaptable to many other implantable biomedical devices.

Implantable cardiovascular devices are manufactured from artificial materials (e.g. titanium (Ti), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), which pose the risk ...

Tissue Engineering of a Human 3D in vitro Tumor Test System

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Current therapeutic strategies are predominantly developed in 2D culture systems, which inadequately reflect physiological conditions in vivo. Biological 3D matrices provide cells an environment in which cells can self-organize, allowing the study of tissue organization and cell differentiation. Such scaffolds can be seeded with a mixture of different cell types to study direct 3D cell-cell-interactions. To mimic the 3D complexity of cancer tumors, our group has developed a 3D in vitro tumor test system.	
	Our 3D tissue test system models the in vivo situation of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which we established with our decellularized porcine jejunal segment derived biological vascularized scaffold (BioVaSc). In our model, we reseeded a modified BioVaSc matrix with primary fibroblasts, microvascular endothelial cells (mvECs) and the S462 tumor cell line. For static culture, the vascular structure of the BioVaSc is removed and the remaining scaffold is cut open on one side (Small Intestinal Submucosa SIS-Muc). The resulting matrix is then fixed between two metal rings (cell crowns).	
	Another option is to culture the cell-seeded SIS-Muc in a flow bioreactor system that exposes the cells to shear stress. Here, the bioreactor is connected to a peristaltic pump in a self-constructed incubator. A computer regulates the arterial oxygen and nutrient supply via parameters such as blood pressure, temperature, and flow rate. This setup allows for a dynamic culture with either pressure-regulated pulsatile or constant flow.	
	In this study, we could successfully establish both a static and dynamic 3D culture system for MPNSTs. The ability to model cancer tumors in a more natural 3D environment will enable the discovery, testing, and validation of future pharmaceuticals in a human-like model.

Tissue Engineering of a Human 3D in vitro Tumor Test System

Methods to create human 3D tumor tissues as test systems are described. These technologies are based on a decellularized Biological Vascularized Scaffold (BioVaSc), primary human cells and a tumor cell line, which can be cultured under static as well as under dynamic conditions in a flow bioreactor.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.  Current therapeutic strategies are predominantly developed in 2D culture  systems, which ...

Generation and Grafting of Tissue-engineered Vessels in a Mouse Model

The construction of vascular conduits is a fundamental strategy for surgical repair of damaged and injured vessels resulting from cardiovascular diseases. The current protocol presents an efficient and reproducible strategy in which functional tissue engineered vessel grafts can be generated using partially induced pluripotent stem cell (PiPSC) from human fibroblasts. We designed a decellularized vessel scaffold bioreactor, which closely mimics the matrix protein structure and blood flow that exists within a native vessel, for seeding of PiPSC-endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells prior to grafting into mice. This approach was demonstrated to be advantageous because immune-deficient mice engrafted with the PiPSC-derived grafts presented with markedly increased survival rate 3 weeks after surgery. This protocol represents a valuable tool for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and potentially patient-specific cell-therapy in the near future.

Here, we present a protocol to generate tissue engineered vessel grafts that are functional for grafting into mice by double seeding partially induced pluripotent stem cell (PiPSC) - derived smooth muscle cells and PiPSC - derived endothelial cells on a decellularized vessel scaffold bioreactor.

The construction of vascular conduits is a fundamental strategy for surgical repair of damaged and injured vessels resulting from cardiovascular diseases. ...

Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement

The mainstay of contemporary therapies for extensive occlusive arterial disease is venous bypass graft. However, its durability is threatened by intimal hyperplasia (IH) that eventually leads to vessel occlusion and graft failure. Mechanical forces, particularly low shear stress and high wall tension, are thought to initiate and to sustain these cellular and molecular changes, but their exact contribution remains to be unraveled. To selectively evaluate the role of pressure and shear stress on the biology of IH, an ex&#160;vivo perfusion system (EVPS) was created to perfuse segments of human saphenous veins under arterial regimen (high shear stress and high pressure). Further technical innovations allowed the simultaneous perfusion of two segments from the same vein, one reinforced with an external mesh. Veins were harvested using a no-touch technique and immediately transferred to the laboratory for assembly in the EVPS. One segment of the freshly isolated vein was not perfused (control, day 0). The two others segments were perfused for up to 7 days, one being completely sheltered with a 4 mm (diameter) external mesh. The pressure, flow velocity, and pulse rate were continuously monitored and adjusted to mimic the hemodynamic conditions prevailing in the femoral artery. Upon completion of the perfusion, veins were dismounted and used for histological and molecular analysis. Under ex&#160;vivo conditions, high pressure perfusion (arterial, mean = 100 mm Hg) is sufficient to generate IH and remodeling of human veins. These alterations are reduced in the presence of an external polyester mesh.

Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement

The mechanisms leading to the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH) and vein graft failure are still poorly understood. This study describes an ex&#160;vivo system to perfuse human veins under controlled flow and pressure. Furthermore the efficiency of external mesh reinforcement to limit the development of IH was evaluated.

The mainstay of contemporary therapies for extensive occlusive arterial disease is venous bypass graft. However, its durability is threatened by intimal ...

Medicine

Procurement and Perfusion-Decellularization of Porcine Vascularized Flaps in a Customized Perfusion Bioreactor

Large volume soft tissue defects lead to functional deficits and can greatly impact the patient&#39;s quality of life. Although surgical reconstruction can be performed using autologous free flap transfer or vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), such methods also have disadvantages. Issues such as donor site morbidity and tissue availability limit autologous free flap transfer, while immunosuppression is a significant limitation of VCA. Engineered tissues in reconstructive surgery using decellularization/recellularization methods represent a possible solution. Decellularized tissues are generated using methods that remove native cellular material while preserving the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) microarchitecture. These acellular scaffolds can then be subsequently recellularized with recipient-specific cells.
This protocol details the procurement and decellularization methods used to achieve acellular scaffolds in a pig model. In addition, it also provides a description of the perfusion bioreactor design and setup. The flaps include the porcine omentum, tensor fascia lata, and the radial forearm. Decellularization is performed via ex vivo perfusion of low concentration sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) detergent followed by DNase enzyme treatment and peracetic acid sterilization in a customized perfusion bioreactor.
Successful tissue decellularization is characterized by a white-opaque appearance of flaps macroscopically. Acellular flaps show the absence of nuclei on histological staining and a significant reduction in DNA content. This protocol can be used efficiently to generate decellularized soft tissue scaffolds with preserved ECM and vascular microarchitecture. Such scaffolds can be used in subsequent recellularization studies and have the potential for clinical translation in reconstructive surgery.

The protocol describes the surgical procurement and subsequent decellularization of vascularized porcine flaps by the perfusion of sodium dodecyl sulfate detergent through the flap vasculature in a customized perfusion bioreactor.

Large volume soft tissue defects lead to functional deficits and can greatly impact the patient&#39;s quality of life. Although surgical reconstruction ...

Procurement and Decellularization of Rat Hindlimbs Using an Ex Vivo Perfusion-Based Bioreactor for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Patients with severe traumatic injuries and tissue loss require complex surgical reconstruction. Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is an evolving reconstructive avenue for transferring multiple tissues as a composite subunit. Despite the promising nature of VCA, the long-term immunosuppressive requirements are a significant limitation due to the increased risk of malignancies, end-organ toxicity, and opportunistic infections. Tissue engineering of acellular composite scaffolds is a potential alternative in reducing the need for immunosuppression. Herein, the procurement of a rat hindlimb and its subsequent decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is described. The procurement strategy presented is based upon the common femoral artery. A machine perfusion-based bioreactor system was constructed and used for ex vivo decellularization of the hindlimb. Successful perfusion decellularization was performed, resulting in a white translucent-like appearance of the hindlimb. An intact, perfusable, vascular network throughout the hindlimb was observed. Histological analyses showed the removal of nuclear contents and the preservation of tissue architecture across all tissue compartments.

Procurement and Decellularization of Rat Hindlimbs Using an Ex Vivo Perfusion-Based Bioreactor for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

We describe the surgical technique and decellularization process for composite rat hindlimbs. Decellularization is conducted using low-concentration sodium dodecyl sulfate through an ex vivo machine perfusion system.

Patients with severe traumatic injuries and tissue loss require complex surgical reconstruction. Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is an ...

Synergizing Antegrade Endoscopic with Bridging Vein Harvesting for Improvement of Great Saphenous Vein Graft Quality from the Lower Leg

Antegrade endoscopic harvesting of autografts for bypass grafting may be an optimal strategy addressing excellent graft quality and reduced post-operative wound complications. This standardized protocol for antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) from the lower leg has the potential to be introduced to routine coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients undergoing CABG surgery are positioned on a surgical table with two additional foam rollers below the extended legs, enabling antegrade EVH from the lower leg. Following minimally invasive surgical access through a bridging vein harvest technique, an endoscopic optical dissector is inserted antegrade into the wound. The main vessel and side branches are dissected under continuous optical control of vein quality status and the working channel. After, an endoscopic optical retractor is inserted with an internal bipolar electrocoagulation device for precise, safe, and tissue-protective interruption of side branches. After release of the vein, the vessel is cut off at the proximal and distal ends under optical control, retrieved from the wound, then cannulated and flushed with heparinized saline. Finally, all side branches of the vein graft are double-clipped. Vascular histology is analyzed in a randomized selection of vein samples. After applying this standardized EVH protocol, the learning curve was shown to be steep, and graft quality was sufficient for coronary artery bypass grafting in every case. There was no conversion to surgical harvesting and low risks for tissue damage and bleeding. Leg positioning and synergizing EVH with bridging vein harvesting improved procedural success and vein graft quality. In our hands, antegrade EVH from the lower leg was feasible, demonstrating straightforward graft dissection as well as adequate macroscopic and microscopic graft quality with preserved endothelial integrity. In conclusion, the introduced technique is safe, shows excellent vein autograft quality, and illustrates feasibility for elective and urgent isolated CABG and combined CABG scenarios.

Presented here is a protocol for antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting from the lower leg, which can safely be introduced in routine coronary artery bypass grafting. Vein grafts present excellent graft quality following this standardized protocol with positioning of the legs, minimally invasive access to the vein, and antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting.

Antegrade endoscopic harvesting of autografts for bypass grafting may be an optimal strategy addressing excellent graft quality and reduced post-operative ...

A Training and Testing System for Performing Vascular Reconstruction In Vitro

Manual vascular reconstruction training is essential for a beginner surgeon. However, an optimal training system for vascular reconstruction in vitro has yet to be developed. In this study, we introduce an in vitro training and testing system using a magnetic anchoring technique with which a trainee can practice manual vascular reconstruction individually. Additionally, this system can also be used to test the quality of the reconstruction. The described system includes a vascular reconstruction training machine, magnetic tractors, and a magnetic suture puller. In this manuscript, we detail an end-to-end vein anastomosis using porcine right and left iliac veins. To identify the potential damage caused by a magnetic suture puller on the suture, we created three groups with six segments of 4-0 polypropylene sutures each: a control group with no intervention on the polypropylene suture, a group in which the polypropylene suture is manually pulled with sterile gloves 20x, and a magnetic puller group in which the magnetic puller pulled the polypropylene suture 20x. These groups were tested by light microscopy and breaking strength tests, and the effect of reconstruction was assessed. In the light microscopy test, the control group was less likely to be damaged (p &#60; 0.05) and the number of damaged points of the manual group and magnetic puller group were similar (p &#62; 0.05). The results of the breaking strength test were compared across groups and no significant difference was observed (p &#62; 0.05). The end-to-end anastomosis of the porcine iliac veins was successfully performed using this training system, and the reconstructed veins could undergo 2.0 kPa perfusion pressure. Using this training and testing system the trainee can practice manual vascular reconstruction in vitro individually with the aid of magnetic tractors and a magnetic suture puller, and the quality of the reconstruction can be tested.

Here we present a training and testing system where a trainee can complete manual vascular reconstruction in vitro individually using a magnetic anchoring technique. The system can also be used to test the quality of reconstruction.

Manual vascular reconstruction training is essential for a beginner surgeon. However, an optimal training system for vascular reconstruction in vitro has ...

Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane

We present the preliminary results of a longitudinal observational study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and safety at different short- and long-term follow-ups of vascular occlusion of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV) affected by severe pathological reflux, using an innovative modified cyanoacrylate surgical glue composed of N-butyl cyanoacrylate and methacryloxy sulfolane (NBCA+MS). Ninety patients, prospectively recruited for 1 year, underwent the study with EcoColor-Doppler (ECD) to evaluate the maximum diameters of the GSV and SSV in the orthostatic position and the reflux time (RT). An RT greater than 0.5 s was considered pathologic. Clinical, etiology, anatomy, and pathophysiology (CEAP) assessment was used for the complete evaluation of each patient in the study. All the patients were treated by NBCA+MS glue to obtain vein occlusion and observed before treatment (baseline; T0), within 6 h after treatment (T1), 1 month after treatment (T2), 3 months after treatment (T3), 6 months after treatment (T4), and 1 year after treatment (T5). Chi-square (&#967;) analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. All the patients participated in the entire duration of the study. Complete occlusion was maintained in 100% of patients at T1, 98.9% at T2 and T3, and 97.8% at T4 and T5 (p &lt; 0.001). None of the patients suffered from post-surgical thrombosis. No blue hyperpigmentation, or paresthesia was observed during the entire observation period. Immediately after treatment, 7.7% of patients needed painkillers; 1 week after treatment, 100% of patients returned to normal life. Vascular occlusion of the great or small saphenous vein using NBCA+MS glue is a safe procedure with persistent benefits after a 1 year follow-up. This procedure can be performed with local anesthesia, allowing a quick return to normal life. Thanks to its low invasiveness, the treatment is not painful.

Here, we present a protocol to treat the great saphenous vein (GSV) and the small saphenous vein (SSV) affected by severe pathological reflux, using an original sclerosing and embolizing cyanoacrylate-based glue composed of N-butyl cyanoacrylate and methacryloxy sulfolane (NBCA+MS).

Decellularization and Recellularization Methodology for Human Saphenous Veins

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