EFFECT OF ASPIRIN AND DIPYRIDAMOLE ON THE PATENCY OF LOWER-EXTREMITY BYPASS GRAFTS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 96  (3) , 462-466
Abstract
Recent clinical studies indicate that the use of aspirin and dipyridamole improves graft patency rates in patients with infrainguinal polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts and aortocoronary vein grafts. A prospective, double-blind, randomized study was undertaken to determine whether these drugs administered postoperatively to patients with PTFE or autologous vein infrainguinal bypasses would improve graft patency during the first 24 mo. after operation. Patients received either aspirin 325 mg and dipyridamole 75 mg or identical placebo tablets 3 times a day, taken orally. Patency rates were compared by computing standard life tables and comparing cumulative patency rates. Patients (100) with 102 grafts were studied. The cumulative patency rate at 24 mo. was not significantly different for the treatment (57%) vs. control (67%) groups or for any subgroup. Aspirin and dipyridamole administered postoperatively in the doses used in this study evidently do not improve the overall patency rates of vein or PTFE infrainguinal bypass grafts.