Effect of treatment with proteolytic enzymes on the mechanical properties of xenotransplants

1. Treatment of xenotransplants with proteolytic enzymes is a new and promising route which enables substitutes for diseased vessels which are compatible with human tissues to be prepared. 2. Enzyme treatment of arteries permits the collagen elastic carcass of the vessel to be isolated and the main parameters of its mechanical properties to be determined. 3. The method of treatment of bovine common carotid arteries with trypsin does not significantly affect the main parameters of the mechanical properties of their walls which makes it possible to recommend this method for practical application in vascular surgery. 4. The greatest effect on changing the main parameters of the mechanical properties of the vessel is exerted by pepsin, under the action of which the wall of the xenotransplant becomes rigid and of low deformability, which makes it impracticable for use as a substitute.