EXPANDED MICROPOROUS POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE AS A VASCULAR SUBSTITUTE - 2 YEAR FOLLOW-UP

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 85  (2) , 177-183
Abstract
Of 131 femoropopliteal, distal popliteal and tibial bypasses performed using expanded microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 40 patients were operated on for limb salvage, and 21 had previous bypass procedures. The overall patency rate was 82%. Early occlusions were related to technical error but most probably were due to severity of disease and poor runoff. Late occlusions were related to progressive atherosclerosis in the proximal or distal arterial tree. A 75.7% cumulative patency rate was noted at 28 mo. In man the PTFE prosthesis demonstrates a smooth intimal lining with fibroblastic ingrowth into the interstices of the graft. These results are considered to be excellent in this high-risk patient population. The patency rates achieved with PTFE are better than those accomplished with alternative conduits and approach the patency rates reported with autogenous saphenous vein. Expanded microporous polytetrafluoroethylene with its high patency, pliability and tissue incorporation is an excellent arterial substitute. With continued use of this material and a uniform patient selection an equitable comparison can be made between expanded PTFE and the autogenous vein.

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