Method of cryopreservation of blood vessels by vitrification

Abstract

A method for vitrification of a blood vessel includes immersing the blood vessel in increasing concentrations of cryoprotectant solution at a temperature greater than −15° C. to a cryoprotectant concentration sufficient for vitrification; cooling the blood vessel at an average rate of from 30-60° C. per minute to a temperature between −80° C. and the glass transition temperature; and further cooling the blood vessel at an average rate less than 10° C. per minute to a temperature below the glass transition temperature to vitrify the blood vessel. After the vitrified blood vessel has been stored, the blood vessel may be removed from vitrification by warming the blood vessel at an average rate of from 20-40° C. per minute to a temperature between −80° C. and the glass transition temperature; further warming the blood vessel at a rate of from 200-300° C. per minute to a temperature above −15° C.; and reducing the concentration of the cryoprotectant. Blood vessels treated in this manner exhibit near normal smooth muscle function, normal graft patency rates, and reduced levels of intimal hyperplasia.