Abstract

PSEUDOINTIMA OF 80μm EPTFE. Newly developed porous expanded polytetraf luoroethylene (EPTFE) grafts which have 80μm mean internodal distance were replaced to canine carotid arteries. The pseudointima of six of this graft were macroscopically and scanning electron microscopically compared to that of 4 of usual nonporous 30μm EPTFE, 6 of Sauvage EXS knitted Dacron (k-D), and 4 of UBE woven Dacron (w-D) grafts. The size and length of all grafts were almost same and they were harvested between 1 to 6 months after the implantation. All grafts were patent but one k-D at 6 months and there was no anastomotic intimal hyperplasia. Endothelium-like cells proliferation on these grafts was recognized only near the anastomoses. However, the shape of endothelium-like cells on 30μm EPTFE and w-D grafts was irregular and plumper, that on 80μm EPTFE and k-D was beautiful and resembled to normal vascular endothelium.