Experience with 130 polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.

One hundred thirty operations utilizing polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) grafts were analyzed after follow-up of 1 to 3 years. The results of femoropopliteal below-knee and femorotibial grafts were disappointing. The polytetrafluoroethylene graft is versatile and allows crossing of the knee joint. It will maintain patency into a poor outflow tract and has a low complication rate. Thrombectomy can be accomplished easily and late. The main disadvantage appears to be neointimal hyperplasia, most obvious when the graft is inserted into small vessels. Sudden occlusion is not uncommon. The polytetrafluoroethylene graft is still a second choice to vein. Its use as a composite graft with vein to small vessels deserves further examination.