A novel system for physiologic pulsatile perfusion of intact vascular tissue

A novel system has been designed and tested for perfusion culture of intact vascular tissue. The system uses a cam-driven syringe to impose the pulsatile component of flow on the steady flow generated by a peristaltic pump and compliance chamber. The system is capable of producing flow waveforms that include back-flow phases as seen in the femoral arteries of humans. Three physiologic waveforms including canine femoral and carotid and human left coronary artery waveforms have been generated. The system also allows independent control of flow-rate and pressure. Porcine common carotid and left coronary arteries, human greater saphenous veins, and rhesus macaque femoral and common carotid arteries have been cultured in the system for up to 48 hours. Viability of vascular segments after culture was assessed by a contraction and relaxation assay which demonstrates both smooth muscle contractility and endothelial cell mediated smooth muscle relaxation