Fate of enzyme-digested bovine arterial heterografts in low pressure systems

Abstract

Enzyme-digested bovine arterial heterografts were implanted in the pulmonary artery and vena cava of dogs. Results were noted up to sixteen months after implantation. Almost all of the long segment pulmonary artery grafts were patent on long-term follow-up study, but 50 per cent of the short segment grafts became occluded. The graft material did not fare well in the inferior vena cava, and while some good results were obtained in the superior vena cava, the study was rendered inconclusive by a high incidence of postoperative empyema. Results of gross and microscopic examination of implanted grafts are described and discussed, and conclusions are drawn regarding the nature of host graft reaction, factors affecting success of graft procedures, and possible improvement of results.