Small vessel replacement with gore-tex (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene).

Conduits of expanded, fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE [Gore-tex]) have been evaluated as small vessel prostheses in dogs during a 6-month period. A configuration of high porosity and low density, long fibril Gore-tex was found to yield the best patency in canine arteries (femoral and carotid) and veins (femoral) as compared with more dense, less porous PTFE with shorter fibrils. Host tissue reaction showed minimal inflammation, excellent infiltration, and formation of a smooth neointima, which suggested satisfactory acceptance of the prosthesis.