LONG-TERM USE OF VARIOUS DACRON BIFURCATI ON PROSTHESES - 5-YEAR RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY

In the frame of a prospective randomised study various Dacron bifurcat ion prostheses with or without velours or with or without gelatin impr egnation were implanted in one hundred patients. Fifty-four patients c ould be reexamined clinically and sonographically after an average of 66 months. A total of 23 patients had died during the period of observ ation. A comparison of the Fontaine stages during reexamination indica ted in 72.3 % of cases an operation-related improvement as compared to the condition in the preoperative stage. Sonographically, an average dilatation of 17.3 % could be proved. A significant difference due to material or impregnation was not observed. After 72 months the limb sa lvage amounted to 83.0 %. A comparison of the various types of prosthe ses regarding their limb salvage could indicate no significant differe nce in the course of 72 months. Based on the only slighty differing re sults within the period of observation, only the more comfortable intr aoperative handling leads to giving preference to the use of double ve lours prostheses in comparison to prostheses without velours. A positi ve influence of impregnation with gelatin could not be established.