Abstract
Knitted Dacron prostheses are known to dilate after surgery because of its configuration. Dilatation of gelatin-sealed knitted Dacron prosthesis (Gelseal®, Vascutek, UK) was evaluated in 9 patients who underwent surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Prior to the implantation, the internal and external diameter of Gelseal were measured with slide calipers. Immediately after releasing the aortic clamp, the external diameter was also measured in the same fashion. Four weeks later, the external diameter was examined by CT scan. The size of Gelseal averaged 18.7±2.1mm. The internal and external diameters obtained from slide calipers measurements prior to the implantation were 19.2±2.2mm and 22.6±2.3mm. Immediately after the implantation, the external diameter revealed 22.7±2.4mm. Four weeks later, the external diameter averaged to 24.0±2.2mm. In conclusion, actual dilatation of the external diameter for one month following the implantation was 1.3mm (5.7%).
