title: The effect of dextran on microvascular thrombosis in an experimental rabbit model.
abstract: Although low molecular weight dextran is commonly utilized in clinical microsurgery, few experimental data are available documenting its efficacy. Bilateral 2-mm arterial inversion grafts were constructed in the femoral arteries of New Zealand White rabbits. The experimental group (n = 40 grafts) received a 5-day constant infusion of intravenous dextran 40 at 2.1 ml/hour, and the control group (n = 50 grafts) received no infusion. Whereas 85 percent (34/40) of the dextran grafts were patent at 1 week, only 48 percent (24/50) of the control grafts were patent (p = 0.0003). Scanning electron micrographs revealed a decrease in both platelet and fibrin deposition in the patent dextran arterial inversion grafts versus the patent control specimens. As a marked diminution in microvascular thrombosis was demonstrated at a clinically relevant dose, the continued use of intravenous dextran 40 in clinical microsurgery is supported by this study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Rothkopf
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bern
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: May
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003911:Dextrans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008833:Microcirculation; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008866:Microsurgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011817:Rabbits; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures
chemical_list: D003911:Dextrans