Tubular Constructs as Artificial Urinary Conduits

Purpose: A readily available artificial urinary conduit might be substituted for autologous bowel in standard urinary diversions and minimize bowel associated complications. However, the use of large constructs remains challenging as host cellular ingrowth and/or vascularization is limited. We investigated large, reinforced, collagen based tubular constructs in a urinary diversion porcine model and compared subcutaneously pre-implanted constructs to cell seeded and basic constructs.Materials and Methods: Reinforced tubular constructs were prepared from type I collagen and biodegradable Vicryl® meshes through standard freezing, lyophilization and cross-linking techniques. Artificial urinary conduits were created in 17 female Landrace pigs, including 7 with a basic untreated construct, 5 with a construct seeded with autologous urothelial and smooth muscle cells, and 5 with a free graft formed by subcutaneous pre-implantation of a basic construct. All pigs were evaluated after 1 month.Results: The survival r...