[Experimental studies of vascular replacement in microsurgery].

There is a need for vessel substitute material in microsurgery. Currently autologous pieces of vessel are used. An experimental study in the rat model was undertaken to test the practicability of two different PTFE-prostheses (Goretex) of 1 and 2 mm in diameter and of different lengths. Results show an excellent patency rate of short grafts in high-flow vascular system. In contrast microvascular prostheses used in a low-flow vascular system were patent only for a short time.