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Tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) represent an innovative approach for overcoming reconstructive problems associated with extended vascular diseases by providing small-calibre vascular grafts. This study aimed to evaluate a novel biomaterial of bacterially synthesised cellulose (BC) as a potential scaffold for TEBV.

Highly crystalline cellulose was produced by a bacterium (Acetobacter xylinum) using glucose as a source of carbon. Using a patented process, hollow-shaped segments of BC were created with a length of 10mm, an inner diameter of 3.0–3.7mm and a wall thickness of 0.6–1.0mm. These grafts were used to replace the carotid arteries of eight pigs, and after a follow-up period of 3 months, the grafts were removed and analysed, both macro- and microscopically.

Seven grafts (87.5%) remained patent, whereas one graft was found to be occluded. Scanning …