Effect of surface porosity on early thrombogenicity using vascular grafts with two surfaces in sequence

This experiment addresses the multifactorial dilemma of defining the ideal performance parameters of small internal diameter vascular grafts. We found silicone rubber vascular grafts with smooth surfaces remain acutely free of thrombotic deposits whereas grafts with rough surfaces promote a dispersed thrombus formation. This study also questions the concept that the thrombogenicity of one surface determines the thrombotic response of different and adjacent flow surfaces in the blood flow. Here the distinction between response to each surface was abruptly delineated and equal in intensity regardless of proximal or distal positioning. By studying the 2 surfaces in sequence, surface properties were evaluated using the minimal number of experiments by mitigating the effects of interanimal variability. This is an important consideration in an era of "cost accountability".