Experimental evaluation of a new albumin-impregnated knitted dacron prosthesis

The performance of a new albumin-impregnated, knitted vascular graft stored damp in saline was assessed by a comparative study in the canine aorta. Knitted grafts interposed into the descending thoracic aorta for 4 weeks included: albumin-coated and stored damp in saline (damp albuminated) (n = 6), albumin-coated and freeze-dried (dry albuminated) (n = 5), collagen-coated (n = 4), and uncoated (n = 4). The results of macroscopic and microscopic evaluation were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (Newman-Keuls). Damp albuminated grafts had significantly less transinterstitial blood loss than uncoated grafts (P less than 0.05). No significant differences in thrombogenicity, thrombus-free surface area, tissue ingrowth, or endothelial coverage existed between the damp albuminated and the uncoated grafts. However, significantly less thrombogenicity (P less than 0.05) and more endothelial cell coverage (P less than 0.05) were present in the damp albuminated grafts than in the collagen-coated grafts. No evidence for delayed graft hemorrhage or distal embolization was found in any group. The new damp albuminated graft is a minimally thrombogenic prosthesis combining low implantation porosity with relative ease of handling. It should function well as a low porosity graft for great vessel replacement.