[Experimental studies of Gore-Tex prostheses. A review of the literature]

The Gore-Tex prostheses, made of pure polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) by W. L. Gore and Associates (USA), were first described in 1972. The first published report included results of experimental studies and description of two clinical cases. In the following years (1973-1981) many varieties of the PTFE prostheses were made. Each time the prostheses were tested on laboratory animals (dogs, rabbits, rats). The prostheses were used in the arterial and the venous systems. Observations were carried out as long as to 6 months after operation. The degree of patency was in the range from 56 to 100%. All research were important in the evaluation of the new models of PTFE prostheses. However, studies on prostheses of the diameter more than 5 mm are lacking. The present article outlines and criticizes basic experimental studies, which added to the knowledge on PTFE prostheses of the Gore-Tex type, depending on their structure. Due to experimental studies the Gore-Tex prostheses are now widely applied in clinical treatment.