Influence of various cell-detachment solutions on endothelial cells after catheter abrasion for prosthesis colonization prior to implantation.

We (1) evaluated the effectiveness of different media on the detachment of endothelial cells (ECs) from a catheter brush (Cragg thrombolytic catheter system) that was previously used for endothelial cell abrasion in 10 cm human umbilical vein (HUV) segments; (2) tested the practicability of endovascular catheter brush abrasion followed by EC detachment from the catheter brush, in vitro culture of harvested ECs, and finally endothelialization of a prosthesis; and (3) analyzed the defect created by the catheter brush in HUV segments after endovascular catheter abrasion. Best results in detachment of ECs from the catheter brush were obtained with a mixture of phosphate-buffered saline + 1% human albumin. EC vitality was time-dependent in the collected HUV segments postdelivery.