Gradual Thawing Improves the Preservation of Cryopreserved Arteries

The Structural and Cellular Viability in Cryopreserved Rabbit Carotid Arteries

“…The maintenance of the dynamic properties of the artery depends on the viability of the smooth muscle and the integrity of elastic lamellae and collagen of the walls [25,50]. Fracture of the freeze-thawed carotid arteries is a problem for the maintenance of physical integrity of the carotid arteries [19,23,43,62]. In our study, we observed the compromised mechanical property in the frozen arteries.…”

Patency and structural changes in cryopreserved arterial grafts used as vessel substitutes in the rat

“…In previous in vitro studies, we were able to establish an optimal cryopreservation/thawing protocol for preserving arterial segments in the best conditions for subsequent implant [8,9]. This protocol avoids areas of edema forming on the vessel wall and spontaneous macroscopic fracturing.…”

Thermal expansion of vitrified blood vessels permeated with DP6 and synthetic ice modulators

“…At the cellular level, extracellular ice formation may lead to an efflux of water from the cell, the forces from which may possibly be sufficient to rupture the membrane [12]. Fracture formation is often an indication of structural failure of larger specimens such as heart valves [1], and blood vessels [2,13]. A new device has been developed recently—the cryomacroscope—to investigate fracturing events during the processes of cryopreservation [4,15,20].…”