Novel application and serial evaluation of tissue-engineered portal vein grafts in a murine model.

AIM: Surgical management of pediatric extrahepatic portal vein obstruction requires meso-Rex bypass using autologous or synthetic grafts. Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) provide an alternative, but no validated animal models using portal TEVGs exist. Herein, we preclinically assess TEVGs as portal vein bypass grafts.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

TEVGs were implanted as portal vein interposition conduits in SCID-beige mice, monitored by ultrasound and micro-computed tomography, and histologically assessed postmortem at 12 months.

RESULTS

TEVGs remained patent for 12 months. Histologic analysis demonstrated formation of neovessels that resembled native portal veins, with similar content of smooth muscle cells, collagen type III and elastin.

CONCLUSION

TEVGs are feasible portal vein conduits in a murine model. Further preclinical evaluation of TEVGs may facilitate pediatric clinical translation.