Enhanced endothelialization of Dacron grafts by external vein wrapping

The efficacy of external vein wrapping of vascular grafts in promoting the development of a luminal endothelial surface was assessed in 12 dogs who underwent thoracoabdominal bypasses with 26-29 cm X 6-mm i.d. double-velour knitted Dacron grafts. In group I (n = 6) 6-cm segments of the grafts were wrapped with autologous jugular vein with its endothelial surface applied against the outside of the graft. In group II (n = 6) the wrap procedure was performed using abdominal wall fascia. The degree and character of graft incorporation was quantitated in all prostheses at 28 days postimplantation. Group I vein wrap prostheses demonstrated uniform endothelial surface coverage in the vein wrap area (means = 88%) that was significantly greater (P less than 0.04) than coverage in adjacent unwrapped segments (means = 48%). Group II fascial wrap grafts demonstrated variable endothelial coverage in the wrapped area (means = 48%) that was consistently less than in adjacent unwrapped portions (means = 62%), and significantly less than vein wrap sections of group I animals (P less than 0.04). No significant differences existed in endothelial coverage of unwrapped regions of group I and II grafts. This investigation documented that wrapping knitted Dacron grafts with vein enhanced endothelialization of their luminal surface.