Vascular grafts made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for repair of peripheral arterial injuries

Zhang Han-jiang; Wang Zhi-wei

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2015.34.017

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Vascular grafts made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene have been shown to have highly hydrophobic surface characterized by resistance to water penetration and biological durability. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of vascular grafts made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for repair of peripheral arterial injuries. METHODS:Thirty-eight patients with peripheral arterial injuries, consisting of 30 males and 8 females, aged 17-61 years, were included in this study. After conventional fluid infusion, anti-shock treatment, anti-inflammation, and debridement, they received implantation of vascular grafts made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. A 12-month folow-up observation was performed to investigate the recovery of affected limbs and vascular patency in patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After implantation of vascular grafts made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, al vessels were unblocked and no cases died or had limbs amputated. Blood supply of al affected limbs recovered to normal and there was no vascular anastomotic infection. Imaging results showed that vascular patency rate was 100%. Ultrasound examination results showed that at the end of the folow-up period, the inner wal of the vascular grafts was smooth, obvious mural thrombus or anastomotic stenosis did not occur in any case, vascular patency rate was 92% (35/38), and no adverse reactions related to artificial vessels were observed. These findings suggest that vascular grafts made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for repair of peripheral arterial injuries exhibit striking surface anticoagulant property and long-term patency.