초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for sterilizing, seeding, culturing, storing, shipping, and testing vascular grafts is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seeding and culturing vascular grafts with human cells. The apparatus includes a fluid reservoir, a pum

An apparatus and method for sterilizing, seeding, culturing, storing, shipping, and testing vascular grafts is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for seeding and culturing vascular grafts with human cells. The apparatus includes a fluid reservoir, a pump, an alternating pressure source, and at least one treatment chamber. By alternating pressure to a support structure within the treatment chamber upon which a vascular graft scaffold is positioned, a varying radial stress is placed on the scaffold. In an alternative embodiment, fluid is pumped directly through the vascular graft subjecting the vascular graft to radial and shear stresses. Applying shear and/or radial stresses to the vascular graft during seeding and culturing simulates physiological conditions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus, comprising:at least one vascular graft designed to facilitate three-dimensional tissue growth on said graft, said graft comprising a biocompatible, non-living three-dimensional framework having interstitial spaces bridgeable by cell;a chamber having a first port and a

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus, comprising:at least one vascular graft designed to facilitate three-dimensional tissue growth on said graft, said graft comprising a biocompatible, non-living three-dimensional framework having interstitial spaces bridgeable by cell;a chamber having a first port and a second port for flow of fluid therethrough;a means for connecting said at least one vascular graft within said chamber; anda means for imparting radial and shear stresses to said at least one vascular graft. [25.] An apparatus, comprising:a tubular prosthesis designed to facilitate three-dimensional tissue growth on said prosthesis, said prosthesis comprising a biocompatible, non-living three-dimensional framework having interstitial spaces bridgeable by cells;a chamber having a first port and a second port for flow of fluid therethrough; a support structure located within said chamber configured and dimensioned to support the tubular prosthesis; andmeans for imparting a radial stress to the prosthesis mounted on said support structure.