Abstract
Heterologous connective tissue tube with "built-in" polyester mesh was developed using a rabbit subcutaneous tissue and polyepoxy compound cross-linking method. To evaluate an early healing process of the graft, 6 grafts were implanted end-to-end in the position of the thoracic aorta of 6 dogs and evaluated at 1hr, 24hrs, 7, 14, 28 and 73 days after surgery. The developed graft was white and pliable. The handling characteristics was very good and no bleeding was observed from the suture holes. Macroscopically, the most of the inner surface of the explanted graft was white and shinny without irregularity at 73 days but small area of blood stain was observed. Microscopically, fibroblasts were observed in the adventitia site of the graft after 7 days. Capillaries penetrating to the luminal surface appeared at 29 days graft. Also bleeding was observed around the fabric. A layer of donor connective tissue was still observed at 73 days. No foreign body reaction was observed except around the mesh. It was concluded the graft had an excellent ability of healing and could be an arterial substitutes.
