[Use of the human umbilical vein as a vascular prosthesis. Experimental study]

The possible use of the human umbelical vein as a vascular transplant, following appropriate chemico-physical treatment is discussed. The properties of this new prosthesis have been studied on the basis, first, of physical and dynamic tests and, thereafter, following experimental intervention on 12 dogs in which a segment of the abdominal aorta was replaced. The animals were angiographed at varying times from the operation, up to a maximum of 8 months, and finally sacrificed for thorough histological study using various techniques.