Problems and their solutions about antificial organs, with a special referrence to thrombus formation in reconstructive vascular grafting

Abstract

Fundamental qualities necessary for the success of vascular substitutes were recognized and they are less reactivity, antithrombogenicity, high porosity, suitable flexibility and long standing durability.
There have appeared two innovations in the fabrication of synthetic prosthesis. One is the velour surface construction and the other is the expanded PTFE. These grafts showed rather excellent anti-thrombogenic properties, but neointimal fibrous hyperplasia was then found as a cause of late rethrombosis.
The effect of drugs which interfare with platelet function, on the formation of neointimal hyperplasia suggests that hyperplasia seems to be due to recurrent platelet aggregation to anastomoses. Clinical application of the drugs, particulary for small vassel reconstruction, is discussed.