Results of a bovine collagen vascular graft (Solcograft-P) in infra-inguinal positions

A new bovine collagen prosthesis (SOLCOGRAFT P) was tested clinically. Previous biophysical and animal experiments had yielded promising results, including a modulus of elasticity closely resembling that of human arteries. Eighty-four prostheses were implanted in the femoro-popliteal and 20 in the femoro-infrapopliteal positions. While the cumulative patency rates were acceptable (86% after one year, 74% after two years, 69% after 3 years, and 59% after four years), the cumulative aneurysm rate was unacceptably high (2.2% after one year, 16.9% after two years, 36.6% after three years and 42.6% after four years). We comment on the reasons why the actual incidence of aneurysms in biografts has been underestimated in the past. The management of graft aneurysms and the remaining indications for reconstructive surgery with the SOLCOGRAFT P are also discussed.