[Influences of irradiation on the anastomotic sites of artificial grafts].

To examine the acute influences of irradiation on the anastomotic sites of EPTFE vascular grafts, an experimental study was performed using dogs. After replacement of superior vena cava and bilateral femoral arteries with EPTFE grafts, a total of 20 to 100 Gy doses were given at the anastomotic sites of superior vena cava and right femoral artery. There was no degradation of grafts themselves or rupture in the anastomoses at cumulative radiation doses of 20 to 100 Gy. However, in many dogs, receiving over 50 Gy doses at the anastomotic sites of superior vena cava, stenoses and/or overgrowth of granulation tissues were observed, although at those of right femoral artery, no remarkable differences were observed between dogs which received and those which did not receive irradiation.