Accelerated Healing of Dacron Grafts Seeded by Preclotting with Autologous Bone Marrow Blood

Studies have suggested that bone marrow–derived cells in the circulation may have the capacity and potential to endothelialize and heal vascular graft surfaces. We have investigated whether accelerated endothelialization could be achieved for Dacron grafts seeded by preclotting with bone marrow blood (BMB). Five 8 mm × 6 cm Dacron grafts seeded and preclotted with BMB and four controls preclotted with peripheral blood were implanted in the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) of mongrel dogs for 2 and 4 weeks. Two additional BMB DTA grafts were studied for 3 months. Five pairs of BMB and control grafts (4 mm × 6 cm) were bilaterally implanted into the carotids of dogs for 1 week and five pairs for 4 weeks. All grafts remained patent. BMB seeding/preclotting was a simple, effective method to accelerate early graft endothelialization without increasing thrombogenicity. Further studies are needed before clinical application can be recommended.