Preliminary experience with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.

This early clinical experience of members of the New England Society for Vascular Surgery with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts was evaluated. Questionnaires were distributed to 52 active members of the Society and 32 answers were received. A total of 186 graft insertions were evaluated, of which 112 were positioned in the lower limb; 106 grafts were inserted for libm salvage. Patency rates for femoral-popliteal bypass grafts were determined by life-table analysis. Our results show a 6 to 9 month cumulative patency rate of 91% for PTFE grafts with a popliteal anastomosis above the knee, and a 52% patency rate for below-knee anastomosis. Two complications, aneurysmal dilatation and graft sepsis, were noted in this series. The new graft material exhibits an early patency rate higher than bovine or Dacron grafts which warrants long-term use and evaluation.