Complications with the mandril-grown (Sparks) dacron arterial graft.

Mandril-grown dacron grafts were successful (22-35 months patency in the iliofemoral position. Because of the tendency of the mandril-grown dacron graft to become aneurysmal (4 of 17 grafts), its use is probably contraindicated in the hypertensive patient. Overall patency is 41 per cent (7 of 17 grafts) at three years. Patency below the inguinal ligament is 18 per cent (2 of 11 grafts) at 29 months. A minimum waiting period of six weeks is required. No infections occurred in this seeries.