Sizing of crimped Dacron grafts

The aim of this study was to correlate the stated size of Dacron grafts (Microvel) with their actual internal diameter and to compare this with measurements by ultrasound in the early postoperative period. Grafts of stated diameters of 7, 8, 9, and 10 mm were studied. Grafts were measured by graded probes and by measuring the width of the longitudinally opened graft and calculating the diameter. Each graft accepted a probe 1 mm larger than its stated size very easily and 2 mm greater when stretched. By open measurement, the grafts were 1.3 to 1.8 mm greater than their stated diameter without stretching. Twenty grafts were studied by duplex ultrasound for diameter and peak systolic velocity within 3 months of implantation. The grafts were 12% larger than their stated graft size. Some of the larger grafts showed low velocity and wall thrombus. We conclude that Microvel grafts are larger than their stated diameter. The same size discrepancy was seen in in vitro measurements of Vascutek (Dacron) grafts but not in polytetrafluoroethylene (Gortex) grafts. Since flow velocity is related to the diameter of the graft, this information should be useful when choosing the diameter of a prosthetic vascular graft.