The benefits of fluoropassivation of polyester arterial prostheses as observed in a canine model.

The effect of treating the surface of a polyester vascular prosthesis with a novel fluoropolymer before sealing the graft with gelatin has been evaluated in a canine thoracoabdominal bypass model. The healing behavior of the Fluoropassiv graft was compared with that of the Gelsoft ERS prosthesis used as control for prescheduled periods of implantation ranging from 4 hr to 6 months. Both series of explanted grafts were analyzed using macroscopic, histologic, and scanning electron microscopic observations, and by determining the prostacyclin/thromboxane A2 ratio (PGI2/TXA2) and the thrombogenicity of the luminal surface by means of labelled platelets and fibrin deposition. Chemical analysis of explanted and cleaned graft segments was performed using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and contact angle methods. No difference in platelet and fibrin deposition or PGI2/TXA2 secretion by the luminal surface was observed between the treated and the control grafts at any implantation period. On the other hand, pathologic investigation has revealed that, although there is no difference between the two grafts during the first month, the healing sequence of the Fluoropassiv graft appeared more complete and mature than the control graft after 3 and 6 months. Differences were observed in the extent of collagenous internal capsular development, endothelialization, and tissue penetration into the knitted structure. The presence of fluorine and a higher contact angle at the surface of all the explanted fluoropassivated grafts is believed to have been responsible for reducing the inflammatory response and enhancing the long-term healing behavior of this novel prototype device over the control gelatin sealed prosthesis.