Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as a microvascular graft: An experimental study

Abstract

The patency rates of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vascular grafts with internal diameters of 1.0-3.0 mm were evaluated in three different species (dogs, rabbits, and rats). An overall 2-week patency rate of 14 (23%) of 60 was obtained, with the exception of 10 (83%) of 12 grafts 1.8 mm in diameter inserted in the carotid arteries of rabbits. The presence of numerous variables in the structural properties of PTFE may explain the variable results reported in the literature and this study. Heparinization did not improve the results, nor did modification in suture technique. At the present time, PTFE cannot be considered an equivalent to or a substitute for autogenous vein grafts in microvascular surgery.