SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY EVALUATION OF ENDOTHELIAL REGENERATION IN 1-MM PTFE PROSTHESES

This study documents the developmental stages of neoendothelium regene ration in 1-mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prostheses. Scanning ele ctron microscopy was used to follow the progression of platelet deposi tion, fibrin layering, acid endothelial cell migration along the graft . The endothelial healing process was divided into six stages: platele t aggregation (stage I); fibrin network (stage II); bridging (stage II I); progression (stage IVA); transmural migration (stage IVB), intimal closure (stage V); and endothelial thromboresistance (stage VI).