Hemodynamic Effects on Endothelial Cell Monolayer Detachment From Vascular Prostheses

The establishment of an early blood-contacting endothelialized surface may improve the graft-host relationship. This study evaluated the adherence of indium 111-radiolabeled endothelial cells that were cultured to confluence on fibronectin-treated polyester elastomer (Hytrel) grafts that were perfused for two hours on a pulse duplicator apparatus under high- and low-shear conditions. Perfusate samples were serially assayed for radioactivity. After perfusion, grafts were sectioned into four segments and assayed for retained radioactivity. All graft segments were hematoxylin stained and examined under light microscopy for evaluation of cell density. Excellent endothelial cell adherence (90%) was observed under both hemodynamic conditions at 120 minutes, with most losses occurring within the first 15 minutes. No differences were seen between high- and low-shear conditions or proximal vs distal graft segments.