Arterial allografts are used in vascular surgery to solve a major problem: vascular reconstruction in the infected area. To palliate the unavailability and to reduce the risk of viral disease transmission, vascular allografts are currently cryopreserved and stored in tissue banks. In our recent clinical experience, we observed several cases of rupture and degeneration of cryopreserved arterial allografts. All indications are that current cryopreservation protocols are probably the cause for these degenerations.

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Because many of patients with peripheral arterial disease are not eligible for direct or conventional revascularization procedures, because stem cell therapy is being investigated as to its possible role in the treatment of limb ischemia, there is a need to evaluate this treatment and his true application. On the basis of experimental data, preliminary clinical studies have established the safety and feasibility of stem cells implantation in case of critical limb ischemia. Forthcoming large studies, especially randomized placebo controlled double blind studies, related to the optimal cell type, dosage, administration route, will consolidate this evidence and establish mid and long term effectiveness.

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