[The PTFE-Y bifurcation prosthesis: early results].

During the past 2 years (April 1981-March 1983) 50 PTFE Y-grafts were implanted. The early results are good. Except one graft limb occlusion (8 months postoperatively), which was successfully managed by thrombectomy, all grafts are functioning well or did so until death. 5 patients (age 70-84 years, aortic aneurysm, additional vascular surgery) died 1 day to 8 weeks postoperatively. The death was not specifically related to the material of the new prosthesis. Advantages of PTFE are: a) no need of preclotting; b) absolute tight body of the prosthesis even in the heparinized patient; c) thrombectomy is easy to perform. Important technical details, mandatory for a safe operative procedure and for good functional as well as morphological results, are reported.