Polytetrafluoroethylene and anodized aluminum surfaces in an extracorporeal circuit: scanning electron microscopic study.

Tubes with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or anodized aluminum surfaces were inserted in an extracorporeal circuit which was connected to mongrel dogs. The tubes were removed at regular intervals during the perfusions and their inner surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The anodized aluminum tubes were covered with platelets, fibrin, and other blood elements in a thick layer. In contrast, the PTFE tubes were mainly uncovered.