Prosthetic replacement for the thoracic vena cava: an experimental study.
The superior vena cava (SVC) and thoracic inferior vena cava (IVC) were replaced in 46 dogs with autologous vein, knitted Dacron, glutaraldehyde-fixed porcine pericardium, unsupported polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), and externally stented PTFE. After 30 days, patency rates were determined by contrast venography and were 100%, 9%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. The patency rates of Dacron and glutaraldehyde-fixed pericardium are considered unacceptable when compared to autologous vein (p less than 0.05). Stented PTFE exhibited a patency rate equal to that of autologous vein at 30 days, minimal graft reaction, excellent incorporation by host fibroblasts, and a smooth neointima. The external spiral support added to PTFE enchanced the thromboresistance of this graft in the thoracic venous system. Long-term follow-up is required to determine if the stented PTFE prosthesis remains comparable to autologous vein as a venous conduit.
D000818:Animals; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D004285:Dogs; D006085:Graft Survival; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000601:surgery*; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000601:surgery*
D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene