Enhanced endothelialization of dacron grafts by external vein wrapping

Abstract

The efficacy of external vein wrapping of vascular grafts in promoting the development of a luminal endothelial surface was assessed in 12 dogs who underwent thoracoabdominal bypasses with 26–29 cm × 6-mm i.d. double-velour knitted Dacron grafts. In group I ( n = 6) 6-cm segments of the grafts were wrapped with autologous jugular vein with its endothelial surface applied against the outside of the graft. In group II ( n = 6) the wrap procedure was performed using abdominal wall fascia. The degree and character of graft incorporation was quantitated in all prostheses at 28 days postimplantation. Group I vein wrap prostheses demonstrated uniform endothelial surface coverage in the vein wrap area ( x = 88% ) that was significantly greater ( P < 0.04) than coverage in adjacent unwrapped segments ( x = 48% ). Group II fascial wrap grafts demonstrated variable endothelial coverage in the wrapped area ( x = 48% ) that was consistently less than in adjacent unwrapped portions ( x = 62% ), and significantly less than vein wrap sections of group I animals ( P < 0.04). No significant differences existed in endothelial coverage of unwrapped regions of group I and II grafts. This investigation documented that wrapping knitted Dacron grafts with vein enhanced endothelialization of their luminal surface.