[Autologous vein grafts as artery replacement in microsurgery. An experimental study of micro- and macromorphologic changes 3 weeks to 12 months postoperatively].

In 45 rabbits we interposed autologous vein grafts of different length in equivalent defects of the femoral artery. After fixed intervals of six weeks to 12 months functional, histological and angiographic studies were done. Long grafts showed the same thrombus rate as short ones. The histological findings showed a marked thickening of the vessel wall with a maximum between six to eight weeks after operation. After this period this thickening was reduced but was after 12 months still noticeable. The angiography showed no signs of stenosis or narrowing of the lumen. Occasionally we saw bone formation or incrustation which might be induced by intima lesions.