Clinical use of microvascular PTFE grafts

This paper reports on the first clinical case where a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft of less than 3 mm in diameter was implanted in the arterial system of a patient to bridge a vascular defect. A 1.5 cm long, 1.5 mm diameter prosthesis was interposed in the superficial palmar arch of a man who sustained a laceration of the palm of his dominant hand. The graft was implanted by means of the 3M Precise Microvascular Anastomotic System on one end, and by conventional microsurgical technique on the other end. There were no postoperative complications. The patient resumed his pre-injury activities 9 weeks after trauma. Serial Doppler ultrasound examinations showed normal blood flow and complete patency of the graft. An angiogram performed 12 weeks postoperatively confirmed the patency of the prosthesis. Twelve months post-operatively the patient is free from complications. The use of small diameter PTFE prostheses may be considered when planning grafting procedures for microvascular defects.