Midterm clinical result of tissue-engineered vascular autografts seeded with autologous bone marrow cells

Biodegradable conduits or patches seeded with autologous bone marrow cells showed normal function (good patency to a maximum follow-up of 32 months). As living tissues, these vascular structures may have the potential for growth, repair, and remodeling. The tissue-engineering approach may provide an important alternative to the use of prosthetic materials in the field of pediatric cardiovascular surgery. Longer follow-up is necessary to confirm the durability of this approach.