Preparation and characterization of collagen-elastin matrices from blood vessels intended as small diameter vascular grafts

This study describes the selective removal of cell and cell residues from s mall and large diameter blood vessels for the preparation of tubular collag en:elastin matrices intended for small diameter vascular prosthesis. The re sults showed that total or partially devitalized collagen:elastin matrices may be conveniently prepared without denaturation of the collagen:elastin m atrix with a high degree of preservation of the proteins. The efficiency of cell removal and the extent collagen and elastic fiber preservation were d ependent on the segment and the type of blood vessel under study, with arte ries characterized by a higher susceptibility of cell removal and better pr eservation of the collagen-elastin matrix.