Quantifying Inferior Vena Cava Compliance and Distensibility in an In Vivo Ovine Model Using 3D Angiography
April 26th, 2024
This protocol allows for the in vivo quantification of venous compliance and distensibility using catheterization and 3D angiography as a survival procedure allowing for a variety of potential applications.
We aim to improve long-term outcomes for congenital-heart-disease patients using a regenerative medicine approach. Our tissue-engineered vascular graft develops into a neo vessel comprised of the patient's own cells. Our goal is to make comparisons between our graft, the native vein, and the clinical standard polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE.
We have established that our neo vessel displays growth capacity and that it approaches native vessel functionality. Using this method, we've also recently demonstrated that the neo vessel retains compliance and distensibility at a long-term time point, and is resistant to the formation of dystrophic calcification. Using 3D angiography allows us to image the entire path of the thoracic inferior vena cava in our ovine large-animal model.
In addition to allowing us to view the morphology of the vessel, it also allows for post-capture orientation adjustments to ensure we're obtaining measurements from a true cross-section. Our in-vivo method allows us to determine the capacity for vessel compliance and distensibility in its native context. Additionally, it allows us to take longitudinal measurements of the same study animal, which is necessary to track changes in neo-vessel development and remodeling.
Overview
This protocol allows for the in vivo quantification of venous compliance and distensibility using catheterization and 3D angiography. This survival procedure has a variety of potential applications in improving outcomes for congenital-heart-disease patients.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Regenerative medicine
- Cardiovascular research
- 3D imaging techniques
Background
- Congenital heart disease presents significant challenges in patient management.
- Tissue-engineered vascular grafts can potentially improve patient outcomes.
- Understanding venous compliance and distensibility is crucial for graft functionality.
- 3D angiography provides detailed imaging of vascular structures.
Purpose of Study
- To develop a tissue-engineered vascular graft that mimics native vessel functionality.
- To compare the performance of the graft with native veins and standard materials.
- To assess long-term compliance and distensibility of the neo vessel.
Methods Used
- Catheterization for in vivo measurements.
- 3D angiography for imaging the thoracic inferior vena cava.
- Comparative analysis of graft and native vessel properties.
- Long-term follow-up to evaluate graft performance.
Main Results
- The neo vessel shows growth capacity similar to native vessels.
- Compliance and distensibility are retained over time.
- The graft is resistant to dystrophic calcification.
- 3D imaging effectively captures the vascular anatomy.
Conclusions
- Tissue-engineered grafts can approach the functionality of native vessels.
- Long-term compliance and distensibility are critical for graft success.
- 3D angiography is a valuable tool for vascular research.
