Experimental implantation of an arterial substitute made of silicone reinforced with polyester fabric in rabbits

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to analyze silicone tubes with an internal diameter of 4 mm as a possible material for vascular prostheses.METHODS:Grafts were implanted into the infrarenal aortas of 33 rabbits. Fluoroscopic examinations were performed within 150 days after surgical implantation. Sample grafts were analyzed via electron microscopy to evaluate the eventual endothelialization of the prostheses.RESULTS:The patency rates of the prostheses were 87% (±6.7%) after 30 days, 73% (±9.3%) after 60 days and 48% (±12%) after 120 days. The material presented characteristics that support surgical implantation: good tolerance promoted by polyester tear reinforcement, ease of postoperative removal and a lack of pseudoaneurysms. However, intimal hyperplasia was a limiting factor for the patency rate.CONCLUSIONS:We concluded that polydimethylsiloxane has limited potential as an alternative material for small vascular prostheses.

Experimental comparative study of arterial implants made of silicone reinforced with polyester fabric and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in rabbits aorta

“…We observed no hemodynamically significant stenosis in any animal in both groups. Rocha Experimental comparative study of arterial implants made of silicone reinforced with polyester fabric and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in rabbits aorta high rate of postoperative complications (mortality and paraplegia), data compatible with the findings of the study [29][30][31][32] .…”

“…Because it is the most commonly used synthetic graft for revascularization of small-caliber arteries in revascularizations below the knee, we chose PTFE for the control group 7,9 11 . Experimental models in rabbits are considered good models for evaluating small-caliber vessels, with a diameter between 1 and 4 mm [29][30][31][32] . The vascular physiology of rabbits is similar in many ways to that of humans, but there are some disadvantages, such as the Rocha Experimental comparative study of arterial implants made of silicone reinforced with polyester fabric and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in rabbits aorta mentioned limitations, the model used seems to be valid for small-caliber vascular grafts [29][30][31][32] .…”

“…Intimal hyperplasia is the result of the healing process after vascular injury, and occurs especially in the anastomotic regions, being one of the main causes of stenosis and occlusion of vascular grafts 32 . Intimal hyperplasia in the the suture lines region is more frequent with the use of synthetic prostheses than with venous grafts.…”