Microvel(r) knitted double velour vascular grafts coated with biodegradable algin were evaluated in the canine experimental model as a new biologically coated Dacron graft. Three series of implantations were conducted involving the insertion of 6
mm
diameter grafts in the abdominal aortas of mongrel dogs. The first series used the regular Microvel(r) vascular grafts coated with algin, whereas the second and third series used Hemashield(r) (collagen-coated) grafts and the regular Microvel
grafts
with preclotting, respectively as control groups. Each series involved the implantation of one prosthesis for each of 2 preselected periods, namely 3 months and 6 months. In addition, algin-impregnated grafts were implanted for 4 hours, 72 hours,
2
weeks, and 4 weeks. All grafts were patent when the animals were sacrificed at intervals ranging from 4 hours to 6 months. Histological examinations revealed no obvious or significant differences in the healing characteristics of the algin-coated
grafts
and the control grafts after 3 months and 6 months of implantation. Endothelial cell-like cells were present on the midsegments of all grafts explanted from animals sacrificed after 3 months and 6 months, except a suspicious finding in the 3
month-implantation animal of a preclotted graft. With special statns, the algin became invisible between the polyester filaments during the first 3 months of implantation. This study has demonstrated that the use of a biodegradable algin coating
is
a
feasible approach as biological sealants for textile arterial prostheses.
(Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1995;28:557-64)
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