[Revitalization of bovine xenografts used for experimental arterial replacement in dogs (author's transl)].

In 16 mongrel dogs bovine xenografts of 4 to 12 cm of length were used for arterial replacement. The grafts were removed after 30 minutes and up to 13 months for electronmicroscopic examination. The graft was shown to be significantly thrombogenic during the first six weeks after implantation. After 8 to 10 weeks an increasing revitalization of the graft is found starting from the ends of the canine artery. A cover of endothelial cells is formed in the graft lumen. The graft wall is enforced by formation of collagen and elastic fibers originating from capillaries and fibroblasts. Revitalization of the graft is limited to a rim of 2 to 3,5 cm next to the anastomoses with the canine artery. The remaining graft segment shows revitalization only on the outside wall. Degenerative changes take place in the inner layer of the graft with time passing.