Dilatation of sealed Dacron vascular prostheses: a comparison of Gelseal and Hemashield.
OBJECTIVE
Early postoperative dilation of a gelatin-impregnated knitted dacron prosthesis (Gelseal, Vascutek) and a collagen-impregnated woven Dacron prosthesis (Hemashield, Meadox Medicals) was studied.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Institutional clinical research.


METHODS
A total of 30 patients who underwent aortic repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm with a Gelseal (n=15) or Hemashield (n=15) were studied. Prior to and immediately following implantation, the diameter of each graft was measured with slide calipers. The external diameter was examined by CT scan 4 weeks after surgery. Early dilation of Gelseal and Hemashield was estimated and compared.


RESULTS
Prior to implantation, the external diameter of the Gelseal and Hemashield was 120% and 113% of the package size (PS), respectively, while the internal diameter was 103% and 102% of the PS, respectively. Following implantation, the external diameter of the Gelseal and Hemashield was 122% and 113% (immediately after) and 129% and 118% (4 weeks later) of the PS, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The actual dilation rate for the first 4 weeks after implantation was estimated as 8% with the Gelseal and 4% with the Hemashield.
Utoh
J
J
First Department of Surgery, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Kumamoto City, Japan.
Goto
H
H
Hirata
T
T
Hara
M
M
Kitamura
N
N
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D003094:Collagen; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005780:Gelatin; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D005780:Gelatin; D003094:Collagen