SMALL CALIBER VASCULAR PROSTHESIS WITH ACCELERATIING ENDOTHELIA-LIZATION OF AUTOLOGOUS VENOUS TISSUE FRAGMENTS. We previously showed the stable construc-

Abstract

We previously showed the stable construction with rapid endothelialization of fabric vascular prosthesis by transplantation of autologous venous tissue fragments into the wall. But, because of thrombogenecity, grafts impregnated with venous tissue fragments are difficult to use as small caliber vascular prostheses. To overcome this problem, we combined venous tissue fragments with heparin ionically and applied it to small caliber vascular prostheses. The teated grafts of inner diameter 4mm using highly porous fabric prostheses impregnated with tissue fragments were implanted into canine bilateral carotid arteries. All grafts were patent at the time of grafts explantation. One hour after implamntation, a very thin layer of thrombus was observed on the luminar surface. The longest case of amngiography demonstrated patent garaft in both carotid arteries of one dog 244 days after implantation.