The Sparks' mandril graft. A seven year follow-up of mandril grafts placed by Charles H. Sparks and his associates.

A clinical follow-up study of the Sparks' mandril graft used for lower extremity revascularization between 1968 and 1973 is presented. Of seventy-three mandril grafts placed, sixty were used to revascularize lower extremities in fifty-four patients. Results show 100 per cent patency in the ilioiliac and ilio-femoral sites, 26 per cent patency in the femoropopliteal sites, and 0 per cent patency in the femorotibial and axillofemoral grafts. Complications include poor maturation of the graft, early thrombosis, postoperative hemorrhage, and aneurysm.