[Initial results following implantation of resorbable micro-patches of polydioxanone in the rat aorta].

Polydioxanon micro-patches were inserted into the infrarenal aorta of 21 rats by means of microsurgical techniques. Histologic characteristics were analysed by light microscopy up to 8 weeks after implantation. The following observations were made: After 4 weeks a regenerated artery with different layers could be seen: Neo-Endothelium-, Neo-Media-, Neo-Adventitia-Patch-layer. Two different proliferation zones were evaluated: the anastomotic adventitial layer, responsible for regenerating the Neo-Adventitia-Patch-layer as a chronic foreign body reaction, the anastomotic intima layer, responsible for regenerating the Neo-Media with differentiation of cells into smooth-muscle-like cells. The lining cells appeared like endothelium-like cells. These study demonstrates the possibility of regenerating arterial tissue over polydioxanon patch in the rat aorta.