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J Reconstr Microsurg 1996; 12(5): 307-311
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006491
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Acellular Human Dermal Matrix as a Small Vessel Substitute

Yojiro Inoue, James P. Anthony, Pablo Lleon, David M. Young
  • Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan, and Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1995

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

In both vascular and microvascular surgery, there is a need for a non-thrombogenic, small-caliber, arterial substitute. Clinically, most vessel substitutes with diameters under 4 mm have low patency rates. An arterial conduit made from a biocompatible human acellular dermis may be useful as a small vessel conduit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the patency rates of a vascular conduit made from rolled human acellular dermal (ACD) matrix and a similar-sized polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube, using the rat femoral artery interposition model.

Twenty-eight days after implantation, 9 of 10 (90 percent) ACD grafts and 5 of 8 (62.5 percent) PTFE grafts were patent. False aneurysms formed in 6 ACD conduits along the longitudinal suture line. The three patent non-aneurysmal ACD conduits developed an endothelial luminal lining. While further studies are needed, acellular dermis appears to be a promising material for use as a vessel substitute.

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