A comparison of three techniques to quantify vascular ingrowth into Dacron velour

Three methods of evaluation of vascular ingrowth into treated and untreated Dacron velour were performed to compare the methods. Vascular casting, direct measurement, and stereology were compared based on their ability to quantitate ingrowth, the type of information obtainable, and the time required for data acquisition. Results show that with the methods used in this study vascular casting was not able to produce data indicative of the actual vascular ingrowth. Direct measurement and stereological measurements of histological slides were able to give hard data for comparing ingrowth. However, stereological measurements were easier and less time-consuming to perform. In addition, stereological measurements were able to reveal additional parameters quickly.