Abstract
Antithrombogenicity is one of the essential characters for a small caliber vascular graft in low blood flow position. Slow heparin release method was introduced to give satisfactory antithrombogenicity to a biologic vascular graft. A small-caliber heparinized bovine graft was developed and evaluated its possibility for the clinical use. Fresh bovine artery was obtained and cross-linked with polyepoxy compound, and heparinized. The graft was white and soft. Percent Tanning (PT), Kink Resistance (KR) and Suture Retention Strength (SRS) were tested on HBG and Bioflow (BF) as a control. HBG had higher PT, better KR and SRS, compared to BF. Three month study in the canine model was performed using 4mm internal diameter HBG, BF and Gore-Tex (GT). Five HBG and 5 GT in carotid position, 5 HBG and 5 BF in femoral position were implanted end to end in 5 dogs. At implantation, no thrombus attachment at the inner surface was observed on HBG but on BF. Five HBG were patent in carotid position but only 2 GT patent. Three HBG and 3 BF were patent in femoral position. Explanted HBG had white and smooth inner surface without thrombus formation. From these observations, it was concluded that the developed HBG showed satisfactory biomechanical and handling characteristics. With more improvement, Better patency could be obtained compared to the commercially available small caliber vascular graft.
