MAINTENANCE OF VIABLE ARTERIAL ALLOGRAFTS BY CRYOPRESERVATION

Abstract

Cryopreserved [canine] femoral aterial allografts were equal in patency rate when compared with fresh controls. The cryopreserved allografts were superior to fresh allografts in the parameters of intimal integrity, absence of host rejection and reduced surface thrombogenicity. Cryopreservation in liquid N, utilizing 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylprednisolone as a cryoprotectant solution, is an excellent method of preserving and storing fresh allograft arteries for use as a small vessel replacement.