Abstract
Our studies include gross, microscopic and scanning electronmicroscopic inspections of the formation of inner capsule in the artificial blood vessels at 4 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks and 10 weeks after implantation of EPTFE grafts into the superior vena cavae of dogs.
It was concluded that the reproduction, growth and organization of the neo-endothelial cells were controlled by the immature connective tissue located just beneath them.
At one week after implantation, the neoendothelial cells developed from the host veins with clearly notable continuity. 10 weeks following implantation, the neoendothelial cells grew densely, almost completely covering the surface of the inner capsule in membranous form.
The relatively rapid development of endothelial cells in venous grafts is probably due to typical characteristics of the vein such as lower blood pressure and blood flow velocity.
