Abstract
The early patency and healing of crimped and externally supported (EXS) vascular prostheses of 4mm Sauvage velour Dacron graft were compared experimentally in the replacement of the Carotid and Femoral artery of the mongrel dog. In the group of the grafts pretreated with fresh blood, the 1 week patency rate was 57% in the crimped and 43% in the EXS. In the group of the grafts pretreated with heparinized fibrin glue, the 1, 4, 8 weeks patency rates were 100%, 100% and 80% in the crimped and 100%, 86% and 75% in the EXS. Thus there was no significant difference in both groups. Macroscopic and histological studies revealed faster healing with smooth luminal surface and even thickness of the intima in the EXS. Therefore the EXS was considered to be more beneficial as a small caliber vascular prosthesis.
