Contrast-Enhanced Microtomographic Characterisation of Vessels in Native Bone and Engineered Vascularised Grafts Using Ink-Gelatin Perfusion and Phosphotungstic Acid

Figure 4

Analysis of vascularised porous hydroxyapatite. (a) Schematic of implantation. Superficial inferior epigastric vessels were identified, ligated (black bar), and cut distally. Either the artery (as shown) or the vein was pulled through the hydroxyapatite cylinder. (b) 3D rendering of contrasted central vein (star) with branches (white arrows), some diffuse contrast enhancement in the periphery (plus). After decalcification, the Engipore cylinder is no longer visible. Dashed line represents circular cross-section of Engipore cylinder. (c) H&E staining showing ink-gelatin contrasted central vein (star), small branching vessels (arrows), scaffold material (S) and pores filled with connective tissue (T), and peripheral haemorrhage with ink-gelatin (plus). Dashed line represents circular cross-section of Engipore cylinder. (d) Diameter of central artery and vein measured by histology and microtomography. (e) Number of vessels branching from central artery or vein. (f) Diameter of vessels branching from central artery or vein.