A SEM investigation of the trauma to prostheses and arteries during vascular reconstruction procedures.
Scanning electron microscopy was used to diagnose incidents of trauma and the pattern of healing following surgical implantation of microporous blood vessel substitutes. Vascular reconstruction procedures using autogenous or synthetic prosthetic materials inflict damage to the adjacent tissues as well as the prosthesis. This effects the thrombotic behavior and healing pattern of the area. The prognoses for long term success are, as a consequence, directly influenced. Various vessel occluding devices were evaluated on canine models with respect to their ability to damage blood vessels at the clamped site. The impact of suture needles on tissues and prosthetic materials was also considered. Of the various vessel clamping devices which are commercially available, those which have elastomeric shields on the clamping components were found to be the most satisfactory. The development of less traumatic surgical devices and possible modifications in the surgical protocols are discussed with the aim of further reducing surgical trauma.
D000818:Animals; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D004285:Dogs; D004727:Endothelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005337:Fibrin; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*
D005337:Fibrin