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Chronic perigraft seromas in PTFE grafts
1Department of Surgery, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11042.
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Chronic perigraft seromas (CPS) are rare complications of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. These seromas, often linked to graft defects, can impede access and cause graft occlusion.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts are widely used for vascular access, with known complications like thrombosis and infection.
- Chronic perigraft seromas (CPS) are well-documented with Dacron grafts but less so with PTFE grafts.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of 1674 PTFE grafts identified eight cases of CPS.
- All documented CPS occurred in the subcutaneous location of the PTFE graft.
Findings:
- Biochemical and pathological analyses suggest local defects in the PTFE graft material are the source of seroma fluid.
- CPS can lead to difficult angioaccess, discomfort from mass effect, and graft occlusion.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention involving removal of seroma contents and pseudocapsule appears effective in managing PTFE-associated CPS.
- Understanding graft material defects is crucial for preventing and managing PTFE graft complications.