Comparative analysis of structural change in a free autovenous graft and in a transplant with spiral reinforcement after correction of experimental arterial defects.

In sixty-four dogs, a comparative analysis was made of structural changes produced in the wall of free autovenous graft and of a transplant strengthened by a spiral reinforcement (lavsan monothread) after transplantation of femoral vein segments into the common carotid artery. Histological and morphometric examinations made in an interval ranging from 3 days to 1 1/2 years after surgery showed that the strengthening of the venous graft by means of a reinforcement prevents its overextension when functioning as an artery, and keeps the endothelium intact. This reduces the danger of thrombotic complications in the operation area. The spiral reinforcement at the same time prevents compression of the vein by surrounding cicatricial tissue as well as an aneurysmatic extension of the transplant.