The biologic fate of Dacron double velour vascular prostheses--a clinicopathological study

Thirty-one Dacron double velour prostheses removed from 16 patients were studied microscopically in order to elucidate the changes they underwent following implantation. The process of incorporation was divided into three phases. In the initial phase, immediately following the implantation, the prostheses became surrounded by a fibrin meshwork. In the organizing phase, which sets in 10 weeks after the implantation, there was an external fibrous capsular formation around the initially fibrin-infiltrated grafts. There was also fibroblastic ingrowth and granulation formation among the interstices and the prostheses showed firm adhesion to the surrounding tissues. One year following the implantation, after most of the luminal surfaces had been covered with collagen tissues, the cellular infiltration subsided and the graft passed into the stable phase. Foreign body giant cells and lymphocytes were seen throughout the study period. These prostheses were then compared with other prostheses which do not have velour structures. The nonvelour grafts showed less adhesion to the surrounding tissues. Microscopically, cellular reaction and collagenous ingrowth were also less. The velour surface thus seems to stimulate granulation ingrowth and to contribute to the firm adhesion of the graft to the surrounding tissues. This firm adhesion enhances resistance to infection and is considered safer in case of suture aneurysm formation.