[Early scanning electron microscopy changes in the surface of woven dacron vessel prosthesis. An experimental study in dogs].

To evaluate platelet-inhibiting drugs in vivo, we implanted artificial vessels into the arterial blood-stream of dogs. Following different periods of normal blood-flow through the prosthesis, pieces were cut out and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Through the SEM we studied surface changes of the samples, in particular those of platelets. They very soon loose their disclike form becoming relatively spherical and make contact with each other by means of pseudopods that are formed at that stage. Red blood cells are caught up in this 3-dimensional network causing the inner surface of the dacron prosthesis to look like an underwatergarden.