Surgical procedure for acellular vascular xenografts testing in sheep carotid artery

Marius Mihai Harpa¹, Alexandra Iulia Puscas², Emanuel David Anitei³, Dan Teodor Simionescu⁴, Raluca Ionela Truta¹, Hamida Al-Hussein², Ionela Cotfas¹, Claudiu Ghiragosian², Cosmin Marian Banceu², Tudor Capilna², Horatiu Suciu², Hussam Al-Hussein²

1. Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
2. George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
3. Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases and Transplantation Targu Mures, Romania
4. Biocompatibility and Tissue Regeneration Laboratories, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2024-0024

Objective: The objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and reproducibility of our surgical technique for implanting decellularized vascular xenografts in the carotid artery of sheep.
Methods: Acellular porcine carotid arteries were implanted as interposition xenografts in seven sheep. An intravascular shunt was used for cerebral protection, and a flowmeter was utilized to assess graft performance.
Results: There were no intraoperative deaths or postoperative neurological complications observed. Acute graft thrombosis occurred in one sheep during surgery, but was successfully managed with thrombectomy to restore blood flow. Post-implantation flowmetry and Doppler ultrasound confirmed graft functionality.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the successful application of our surgical method for implanting decellularized vascular xenografts in the carotid artery of sheep. The implanted grafts maintained patency, normal blood flow, and favorable wound healing and neurological outcomes post-surgery.