Polyester fibers made in Japan (Tetron) were evaluated for medical use on a study in experimental animals. Vascular prostheses made of Tetron cloth (5.7cm long and 8mm in internal diameter) were prepared. These prostheses were immersed in 100% ethanol for 2 days and were washed in denser solution using ultrasonic washing machine, and then were rinsed in distilled water. These washed prostheses were implanted in the thoracic aortae of 39 dogs. The prostheses were removed from 1 to 46 weeks after implantation. As the control, the original prostheses, which were not washed, were implanted in 106 dogs. As another control, Dacron (polyester fibers made in U.S.A.) vascular prostheses were used in 146 dogs.
Under the light microscopic observation, a slight degree of foreign body reaction against Tetron fibers was demonstrated in the tested group, while severe reaction was in the control, unwashed Tetron prostheses, and minimum reaction was in the other control, Dacron prostheses.
These results indicate that, compared with Dacron fibers, Tetron fibers are not suitable for medical use and that the foreign body reaction against Tetron fibers is mainly caused by the adhered substances on the fibers.
By means of electron microscopy and electron probe X-Ray microanalysis, titanium, silicone, phosphorus, iron, zinc and calcium were detected in both Tetron and Dacron fibers, but it has not yet determined whether or not they also cause the foreign body reaction.
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