Knitted double-velour Dacron prostheses in aortobifemoral position--long-term performance of different coating materials.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this prospectively randomized study was to evaluate intraoperative as well as long-term performance of different coating materials for knitted Dacron aortobifemoral prostheses.


METHODS
Between 1989 and 1992 a total of 150 consecutive patients who underwent aortobifemoral bypass were randomized for three different coating materials: gelatine (Unigraft; n = 49), collagen (Hemashield; n = 50) and human albumin (USCI; n = 51). Intra- and perioperative data such as duration of operation, clamping time, blood loss, and early complications were obtained as well as yearly follow-up examinations up to five years. Frequency of late complications, graft patency, and patient survival were observed.


RESULTS
No statistically significant difference of intraoperative data could be obtained. In every group 6% of patients presented with anastomotic aneurysm in the groin. Primary patency rates were Unigraft 92%, Hemashield 91%, USCI 92% (no significant difference, n.s.), secondary patency rates after 5 years were Unigraft 98%, Hemashield 95%, USCI 94% (n.s.).


CONCLUSIONS
Overall superiority of one particular type of prosthesis could not be stated. In order to prevent sudden graft failure associated with progressive arteriosclerotic disease or from late anastomotic aneurysm regular follow-up examinations should follow aorto-bifemoral bypass.
Meister
R H
RH
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany.
Schweiger
H
H
Lang
W
W
D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003094:Collagen; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005780:Gelatin; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012709:Serum Albumin
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D012709:Serum Albumin; D005780:Gelatin; D003094:Collagen