[A comparison with Dardik graft and Mindich graft on arterial bypass]

Arterial reconstruction using human umbilical cord vein graft as a vascular prosthesis was carried out in 24 patients, 26 legs, with arteriosclerosis obliterans. Dardik grafts were used in 13 legs and Mindich grafts in 13 legs. Twenty-six operations were divided into two groups; one with the proximal anastomosis above the femoral artery (proximal group) and the other with the proximal anastomosis below the femoral artery (distal group). Postoperative evaluation of all patients was performed at intervals of one to twenty-two months. To make the determination of graft patency, at least, it was required that the graft pulse was palpable. Cumulative patency rates were 54% and 69% in the Mindich grafts and Darkik grafts, respectively. In the proximal group, patency rates were 60% and 50% in Mindich grafts and Dardik grafts, respectively. While in the distal group, patency rates were 37.5% and 78% in Mindich grafts and Dardik grafts, respectively. The causes of the graft obstruction were as follows: 1) graft infection in 4 (2 with Mindich and 2 with Dardik grafts) 2) pseudointimal hyperplasia of the distal anastomosis in 4 with Mindich graft, 3) progression of atherosclerosis in one case with Dardik graft, and 4) substandard Dardik graft in one. It was concluded that Dardik graft should be used as first choice when compared with Mindich graft and these grafts should not be used easily, since these grafts were apt to be infected.