title: Long-term histological changes in 1 millimeter polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) prosthetic arterial grafts.
abstract: Vein grafts are used extensively to repair blood vessels. However, when suitable vein segments are unavailable, alternative graft materials must be used. This study tested the suitability of 1 mm diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts for small-calibre arterial replacements. Grafts of 4 mm length were inserted microsurgically into the iliac arteries of 26 rats. The grafts were removed between 3 and 22 months postoperatively and examined with light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM:TEM). Anastomotic intimal hyperplasia was minimal, consisting of a few smooth muscle cells extending 100-200 microns onto the graft. The rest of the PTFE was covered with endothelium. In a few isolated areas, there was a subendothelial layer of smooth muscle, 2-10 cells thick. The short segments used in this study were highly successful, with an overall long-term patency rate of 80%. These grafts showed no evidence of excessive neo-intimal hyperplasia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Samuels
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: McGeachie
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Prendergast
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Storrie
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000166:cytology / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene