[Carbon fiber composite biomaterials in the substitution of the inferior vena cava].

A new type of vascular prosthesis made of pyrolytic carbon fibres, was tested on growing pigs. Fourteen graft (8 x 30 mm) were implanted as inferior vena cava (IVC) substitutes. The blood conduits were removed 15 s, 60 min and 7, 15, 30, 60 and 120 days after implantation. Specimens were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Ten similar pigs underwent excision and re-implantation of 30 mm segment of IVC, and where used as controls. Carbon fibres grafts removed within 7 days after implantation were patent: at the subsequent observation times, the prosthetic segments appeared completely or partially thrombosed. Four of the 10 venous autografts failed. Shortly after implantation, a thick neointimal layer covered the inner surface of carbon grafts. This phenomenon delayed organization and neo-endothelialization of the neointima, exposing carbon segments to blood deposits.