[Arterial substitutes used in peripheral vascular surgery]

Peripheral vascular surgery frequently requires the implantation of substitute arteries for the re-establishment of blood flow. Biological grafts, either authentic (autograft or venous homograft) or processed (bovine heterograft, human umbilical vein) comproise the first group. The venous autograft possesses a real capacity of healing and remains the established standard for small and medium bore conduits. The other biological models lead to unpredictable outcomes. The second group of substitutes is composed of synthetic prostheses made from Teflon R or DacronR. Although of lesser healing capacity, their durability is excellent. Finally, numerous prostheses are under development. Before proceeding to human implantation, it is advisable to evaluate them without prejudice.