[Scanning electron microscopy study of autologous vein and fascia lata before and one year after implantation into the arterial blood stream].

The present communication deals with scanning electronmicroscopical changes of autologous vein and autologous fascia lata, which were used as arterial implants. We examined material, which could be removed during reoperation for vascular occlusion. After one year, the surface exposed to the blood stream shows a homogenous layer of fibrin. Whilst the elastic fibers of fascia lata-transplants have nearly completely disappeared, we can still find them in the vein. This might be the essential reason for the longer survival of venous implants into the arterial blood stream.