Successful Subcutaneous Pancreatic Islet Transplantation Using an Angiogenic Growth Factor–Releasing Device

Introduction Although the subcutaneous tissue is considered as an attractive site for pancreatic islet transplantation, the success rate has been extremely low. Aims To use basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to induce neovascularization and sufficient blood flow around the space formed for grafted islets in the subcutaneous tissue to improve the islet survival. Methodology In the experimental group, two bFGF-releasing devices were implanted...