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J Reconstr Microsurg 1987; 3(2): 159-163
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006980
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1987 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Polytetrafluoroethylene Microprosthesis in the Venous System of the Rat

Luis Padilla, Nicolas Sastre, Alberto Chousleb, Mauricio Di Silvio, Mauricio Contreras, Benjamin Manzano, Nyria Reyes, Rodolfo Sanchez, Javier Fajer
  • Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1986

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

In this study, a 2 mm internal diameter (i.d.) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microprosthesis was used in the venous system of the rat, to determine whether or not it could serve as an acceptable microvenous substitute. Forty Long-Evans rats were divided into four groups: Group 1-10 rats with autotrans-plant of an inferior vena cava segment; Group 2-10 rats with a segment substitution of the inferior vena cava by a 2 mm i.d. PFTE microprosthesis; Group 3-10 rats with a laterolateral portacaval shunt; and Group 4-10 rats with a portacaval shunt and interposition of a 2 mm i.d. PTFE microprosthesis (new model). The rats were sacrificed at different time intervals up to 100 days, with cavography (femoral access) in Groups 1 and 2 and spleenoportography (direct puncture of the spleen) in Groups 3 and 4, before sacrifice.

In Group 1, a 100 percent patency was observed at a mean of 49 days; in Group 2, a 70 percent patency with a 30 percent stenosis at a mean of 39.4 days (p < 0.05); in Group 3, a 100 percent patency at a mean of 42.5 days; and in Group 4, a 30 percent patency at a mean of 38.4 days (p < 0.01).

Results showed that the 2 mm i.d. PTFE microprosthesis placed in the venous system of the rat is not an efficacious procedure, and that the search for better microvenous substitutes should focus on those of biologic origin.