Exam 2 Vascular TE

Question 1

What are the differences between large vessels and microvasculature?

Answer 1

Large vessels (arteries/veins): High flow, high pressure, need mechanical strength and elasticity (thicker walls).

Microvasculature (capillaries): Tiny vessels for nutrient/gas exchange, highly branched, delicate, need permeability and close integration with tissues.

Question 2

What are the two types of vascular grafts?

Answer 2

Synthetic and autografts

Question 3

What are the challenges with grafts?

Answer 3

• Endothelialization
• No growth for pediatric
  patients
• Blood flow
• Infections

Question 4

What an example of a synthetic graft?

Answer 4

• Dacron (PET)
• Expanded PTFE (woven/knitted)

Question 5

What are the ways to replace large vessels?

Answer 5

grafts and endothelial cells

Question 6

What is an example of an auto graft?

Answer 6

• Autologous saphenous vein
  (from thigh)
• Radial artery graft (from arm)

Question 7

How does the TE approach apply to vascular TE (cells)?

Answer 7

Use differentiated endothelial and perivascular cells, or progenitor cells like iPSCs, ESCs, MSCs for vessel lining and support structures.

Question 8

How does the TE approach apply to vascular TE (signals)?

Answer 8

VEGF: Most potent angiogenic factor, promotes vessel sprouting and endothelial cell migration.

PDGF: Recruits smooth muscle cells for vessel stability.

TGF-beta: Helps regulate vessel maturation and ECM production.

Question 9

How does the TE approach apply to vascular TE (scaffolds)?

Answer 9

Provide adhesion for vacuole formation.

Allow degradation for lumen expansion.

Include biomimetic cues like chemical gradients and structural patterning to guide vessel growth.