University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine investigators have engineered artificial blood vessels from muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) and a biodegradable polymer that exhibit extensive remodeling and remain free of blockages when grafted into rats. The results of their study, which was presented at the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) North America Chapter meeting at the Westin Harbor Castle conference center in Toronto, has potentially significant implications for the treatment of heart and kidney diseases, where there is a critical need for new sources of blood vessels for vascular grafts.
The saphenous vein taken from a patient's leg continues to be the most commonly used graft for coronary artery bypass grafting even though a significant percentage of vein grafts eventually fail. Arterial grafts are the preferred conduits because they are less prone to becoming obstructed. However, they are in very limited supply, as many patients require multiple grafts. Thus, there is an ongoing search for the ideal small-caliber arterial substitute for revascularization procedures.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=74498
Tags: stem Cells, Artifical Blood Vessels, MDSC, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society, TERMIS, Arterial grafts, saphenous vein
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