Abstract
For evaluating the process of endothelialization, the E-PTFE grafts which had short fibril (4-8μ) were implanted into the canine portal vein. The grafts were removed from the dogs for histological and scanning electoronmicroscopic evaluation at intervals varying from 12 hours to 826 postoperative days. Twenty-nine of 36 grafts were patent (patency rate; 81%). The blood supply of the portion where the neointima was 0.2mm or more in thickness was from vasa vasorum, whereas that of the portion where the neointima was less than 0.2mm in thickness was directly from the portal blood. Complete formation of the inner capsle of the graft was essential to endothelialization. Direct extension of the endothelium was seen from the anastomotic site. Sporadic endothelialization was occuring. There were noted, however, communications among islet formed endothelialized portions. It seemed that endothelium derived from the host vein.
