Biocompatibility and biofunctionality of a gelatin impregnated polyester arterial prosthesis
The gelatin-impregnated vascular graft Gelseal® and its parent Triaxial® graft were evaluated in terms of biocompatibility in rats and in vivo biofunctionality as a thoraco-abdominal bypass in dogs. The biocompatibility study was performed by implantation of small segments of graft in the peritoneal cavity of rats for schedule periods of up to 4 weeks. Peripheral total T cells (CD3), T helper cells (CD4) and T suppressor cells (CD8) and activated T cells expressing IL-2 receptors were quantified by cytofluorometry. Enzymatic on histopathological analyses of the tissue at the implant site were also performed