Dilatation of sealed Dacron vascular prostheses: a comparison of Gelseal and Hemashield.

OBJECTIVE

Early postoperative dilation of a gelatin-impregnated knitted dacron prosthesis (Gelseal, Vascutek) and a collagen-impregnated woven Dacron prosthesis (Hemashield, Meadox Medicals) was studied.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Institutional clinical research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 patients who underwent aortic repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm with a Gelseal (n=15) or Hemashield (n=15) were studied. Prior to and immediately following implantation, the diameter of each graft was measured with slide calipers. The external diameter was examined by CT scan 4 weeks after surgery. Early dilation of Gelseal and Hemashield was estimated and compared.

RESULTS

Prior to implantation, the external diameter of the Gelseal and Hemashield was 120% and 113% of the package size (PS), respectively, while the internal diameter was 103% and 102% of the PS, respectively. Following implantation, the external diameter of the Gelseal and Hemashield was 122% and 113% (immediately after) and 129% and 118% (4 weeks later) of the PS, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The actual dilation rate for the first 4 weeks after implantation was estimated as 8% with the Gelseal and 4% with the Hemashield.