[Evolution of autologous graft interface in rats: experimental study].

With purpose to study the evolution of autologous venous graft interface, an experimental model utilizing an autologous venous patch to repair an infrarenal abdominal aortic defect in rats was developed. A small piece of both the jugular vein and the aorta were first excised. After implantation and reestablishment of blood flow, the animals were subsequently sacrificed in groups of 3 at the following intervals: 10 seconds, 1 minute, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days and 90 days. All the patches and adjacent aortae were collected and studied using scanning electron microscopy, with the following results: 1) the endothelial lining of both the autologous vein patch and the adjacent aorta is destroyed before implantation due to operative manipulation; 2) after blood flow reestablishment, the patch and adjacent aortic interfaces are reactive to platelets and other blood cells; 3) New endothelial lining begins to appear from the 7th day after implantation, but the regeneration is not complete at 3 months. From the model, it is deducted that the endothelial repair of autologous venous patch and its adjacent aorta involves a very slow process.