[Lyophilized vein as an arterial substitution].

The use of homologous preserved veins for replacing seems to have special importance in the surgery on peripheric and coronary arteries. Preliminary results from animal experiments are discussed in which lyophilized veins replaced arteries. Within 8 weeks after implantation into dog aorta develops a functionally satisfactory substitute. No immune reactions can be found histologically. The destruction of the graft and its replacement by host's tissue are temporally balanced. The experiments are to be continued.