Platelet changes after placement of aortic prostheses in dogs. II. Impaired surface-induced arterial thrombosis.

An experimental preparation was developed to assess changes in surface-induced arterial thrombosis in nine dogs with woven Dacron aortic prostheses. The preparation consisted in measuring the occlusion time of an A-V shunt with controlled flow rate (200 mg/min). This measurement depended on formation of an occlusive, platelet-rich thrombus on a diaphragm of polyester mesh. Two to 6 months after placement of thoracoabdominal aortic prostheses, all animals demonstrated striking prolongation of A-V shung occlusion time. This occurred in the presence and absence of heparin anticoagulation. No change in A-V shunt occlusion time was noted in dogs who had sham operations. These findings complement out studies showing biochemical and functional changes in circulating platelets in dogs with aortic prostheses, and together they are consistent with mild platelet damage sufficient to impair surface-induced thrombosis. They also support our contention than, in dogs, platelets interact reversibly with prosthetic surfaces.