Use of small diameter synthetic grafts in carotid bypasses in rats.

Abstract

Vascular prostheses of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene were tested as microvascular synthetic substitutes in a carotid bypass model in rats. Poor patency rates (28%) were obtained with this material when compared with the rates obtained in homologous arterial grafts (100%). It is concluded that expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is unacceptable for use as a 1 mm vascular conduit.