OBJECTIVETo improve cell retention on the graft with dual cell seeding technique, adding a layer of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) between the graft and endothelial cells (ECs).

METHODSPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts pretreated with fibronectin were seeded with SMC followed by ECs one day later and exposure to an in vitro flow system. The number of ECs on grafts was counted under microscope.

RESULTSAfter exposure to the flow for 1 hour, 61% of the ECs lost when the ECs were seeded alone, whereas only 27% of the ECs lost when the ECs were seeded on the top of SMCs. Preconditioning of a cell seeded graft in a low rate flow did not improve cell retention when late exposure to a higher rate flow.

CONCLUSIONThis in vitro study indicates that using SMCs as a media layer between ECs and graft surface can improve the retention of seeded ECs on PTFE graft.