Deterioration of PTFE-prostheses wall. A SEM study

Specimens of long-term femoro-popliteal ePTFE bypass implants were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy in order to analyze the structure of the prosthetic wall. Twelve months after implantation, the structure of the ePTFE wall was inhomogeneous with a widening of the micropores, and both compressed and ruptured fibrils. The most significant disturbances were observed in the knee joint area. Our results suggest that deterioration of the prosthetic wall is possible and indicate the necessity for a wrap to protect against aneurysm formation, as well as an external supportive device to prevent the graft from bending.