Synthetic materials as vascular prostheses: II. A comparative study of nylon, dacron, orlon, ivalon sponge and teflon in large blood vessels with tensile strength studies

Abstract

Grafts of nylon, dacron, orlon, ivalon sponge and teflon were inserted into defects of the thoracic aorta of eighty-four dogs. Follow-up studies included tensile strength determinations on the materials making up the grafts for periods of up to two years. Maintenance of patency was no problem, as only one graft became occluded and this one was secondary to a hematoma. Nylon underwent rapid degeneration after implantation in the body. This was complete in one graft, resulting in a dissecting aneurysm that ruptured through its fibrous enclosure and a bronchus. Nylon is considered unsatisfactory as a vascular prosthesis. Ivalon sponge is unsatisfactory due to rapid breakdown with aneurysm and rupture of the grafts. Orlon, dacron and teflon maintained their strength during the period of observation. Teflon is considered the material of choice as it is chemically more inert and would be expected to lose less strength after longer periods of time. Further follow-up is in progress.