Experimental Use of the Peritoneal Graft as a Vascular Prosthesis

Overview

Introduction:
The parietal peritoneum appears to be a suitable material for the vascular system reconstructions.

Aim:
The aim was to assess and compare thrombogenicity and ability for endothelization of the mesothelial and submesothelial side of the parietal peritoneum in the canine venous system.

Material and Methodology:
Experimental animals: canis familiaris (n = 13), half-breeds of both sexes, aged between 1 and 2 years, weighting 15–25kgs, underwent authological transplantations of the peritoneal grafts with the mesothelial side in the lumen - the group M (n = 5) and with the submesothelial side in the lumen – the group S (n = 5). In the control group K (n = 3) a part of the venous wall was used as a graft and was affixed back to its original place. The bioptic samples collected on the 10^th, 20^th, 30^th and 40^th postoperative day (POD) were stained using the HE staining, NADPH-d and imunohistochemically on the intermedial filaments. The endothelization rate of the peritoneal graft was measured using morphometry and the trombogenicity was assessed peroperatively.

Results:
In none of the trial groups a presence of thrombi was detected peroperatively. In the first trial group (group M), the onset of the peritoneal graft epithelization (reaching 20%) was recorded on the 10^th POD. The endothelization process was completed on the 30^th POD in this trial group. In the second trial group (group S), the peritoneal graft epithelization reaching 10% was recorded on the 10^th POD. The process was completed on the 40^th POD. In the third trial group K, no endothelial changes were recorded during the experiment.

Conclusion:
Both sides of the peritoneum do not show signs of thrombogenicity and possess ability for endothelization.

Key words:
peritoneum – endothelization – mesothelium – reconstruction