Experimental studies on arterial reconstruction with bovine pericardial tube

Summary

Glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardial tubes were implanted to replace the abdominal aortae of 16 dogs, the time of observation being 1 day to 190 days, with an average of 63 days. Three of the 16 grafts failed, of which 2 cases developed thrombosis and one developed pseudoaneurysm associated with infection of the graft. Thirteen of the 16 grafts were patent, with a patency rate of 81.3%. By means of filling-pressure test of the specimens, measurement of relative tensile strength of the anastomoses and gross and microscopic examinations, we found that none of the 13 patent grafts had dilatation, all anastomoses healed quickly and firmly and no immunoreaction was seen histopathologically. This experimental result suggests that the pericardial tube is a hopeful vascular substitute for reconstruction of artery.