[Comparative study of the biocompatibility of the porcine intestinal submucosa and bovine pericardium used as grafts in the inferior cava vein of dogs].

PURPOSE

To compare the biocompatibility of the bovine pericardium and the small intestine submucosa (SIS) when used to repair a created defect in the inferior vena cava of dogs.

METHODS

Sixteen male mongrel dogs were submitted to a midline laparotomy incision. An elliptical segment (1.5 x 3.0 cm) of the inferior vena cava, below the renal veins, was excised. In 8 dogs, the A group, a patch of porcine small bowel submucosa was used to repair the defect. In the 8 remaining dogs, the B group, a bovine pericardium was implanted in the vena cava. On the 30th post-operative day an ultrasound was performed in order to identify stenosis. The euthanasia was accomplished in the 40th post-operative day. Stenosis of the vein was observed in 1 dog of A group and in 2 of the B group.

RESULTS

Partial thrombosis with collateral circulation was evidenced in 1 dog of the bovine pericardium group. A moderated chronic inflammatory process was evidenced in both groups. Microscopic evaluation, regarding endothelization of the implant, collagen deposition, smooth muscle growth, was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

SIS proved to be a functional graft patch for possessing local vena cava remodeling and its biocompatibility was similar to bovine pericardium.