Blood contact surfaces using extracellular matrix synthesized in vitro

Abstract

This invention is directed to improved blood contact devices such as vascular prostheses rendered substantially nonthrombogenic through addition of a preserved layer of extracellular subendothelial matrix. The preserved subendothelial matrix layer, which serves as the blood interface of the device, is analogous to the subendothelial matrix layer beneath the endothelium of native vascular surfaces. The device consists of a permanent synthetic base material, preferably porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, on which this biologic layer of subendothelial matrix is grown in situ. The biologic layer is produced using in vitro tissue culture methods whereby living cells synthesize and deposit extracellular matrix components, after which the cells are killed and/or removed and the subendothelial matrix layer preserved before implantation. A key aspect of this invention is that no living Cells are present in the final configuration, so that the likelihood of recipient immunological response is minimized. This invention results in vascular prostheses that are particularly useful for arterial bypass requiring a diameter of 6 mm or less.