The effect of oxygen tension and mechanical stress on the outcome of fresh autogenous tissue implants in the canine blood stream.

Fresh autogenous collagenous tissue grafts were implanted in the lumen of the aorta, vena cava, pulmonary artery and vein of thirty dogs. Grafts were studied at varying periods postimplantation. Grafts in the latter three situations were vascularized and absorbed early and were replaced by host fibrous tissue; whereas grafts in the aorta remained unabsorbed because of lack of vascularization. We conclude that fresh autogenous fibrous tissue is not a good material for the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a competent valve.