Abstract: This invention is directed to improved blood contact devices such as vascular prostheses rendered substantially nonthrombogenic through addition of a preserved layer of extracellular subendothelial matrix. The preserved subendothelial matrix layer, which serves as the blood interface of the device, is analogous to the subendothelial matrix layer beneath the endothelium of native vascular surfaces. The device consists of a permanent synthetic base material, preferably porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, on which this biologic layer of subendothelial matrix is grown in situ. The biologic layer is produced using in vitro tissue culture methods whereby living cells synthesize and deposit extracellular matrix components, after which the cells are killed and/or removed and the subendothelial matrix layer preserved before implantation. A key aspect of this invention is that no living cells are present in the final configuration, so that the likelihood of recipient immunological response is minimized.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved blood contact devices such as vascular prostheses rendered antithrombotic through the use of recipient endothelial cells grown on an appropriate subendothelial matrix. The subendothelial matrix layer, which serves as the substratum for growing endothelial cells, may be obtained from either natural donor vessels or from in vitro tissue culture sources. This subendothelial matrix is used in situ on the donor vessel, or is grown or applied to a synthetic component, preferably porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Once this subendothelial matrix is prepared, recipient endothelial cells are seeded onto this matrix substratum, which then serves as the immediate blood contact surface. The endothelial cells may be applied as an intra-operative procedure, or grown on the subendothelial matrix substratum in vitro until the cells establish a confluent monolayer.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved vascular prostheses derived from mammalian blood vessels. The prostheses are fabricated from arterial segments from which the donor endothelium has been removed. A key aspect of this invention is the preservation of the subendothelial extracellular matrix that will serve as the blood interface of the vascular prostheses. The vessel segments are treated to reduce the likelihood of calcification and fixed with a tissue preservative. This invention results in vascular prostheses that are particularly useful for small diameter applications, such as arterial replacement requiring a diameter of 6 mm or less.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved vascular prostheses derived from mammalian blood vessels. The prostheses are fabricated from arterial segments from which the donor endothelium has been removed. A key aspect of this invention is the preservation of the subendothelial extracellular matrix that will serve as the blood interface of the vascular prostheses. The vessel segments are treated to reduce the likelihood of calcification and fixed with a tissue preservative. This invention results in vascular prostheses that are particularly useful for small diameter applications, such as arterial replacement requiring a diameter of 6 mm or less.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improved blood contact devices such as vascular prostheses rendered substantially nonthrombogenic through addition of a preserved layer of extracellular subendothelial matrix. The preserved subendothelial matrix layer, which serves as the blood interface of the device, is analogous to the subendothelial matrix layer beneath the endothelium of native vascular surfaces. The device consists of a permanent synthetic base material, preferably porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, on which this biologic layer of subendothelial matrix is grown in situ. The biologic layer is produced using in vitro tissue culture methods whereby living cells synthesize and deposit extracellular matrix components, after which the cells are killed and/or removed and the subendothelial matrix layer preserved before implantation. A key aspect of this invention is that no living Cells are present in the final configuration, so that the likelihood of recipient immunological response is minimized.