Small-diameter vascular graft prostheses: Current status

In contrast to large-diameter vascular grafts (i.e. larger than 5 mm) which remain excellent for more than 10 years after implantation, small-diameter vascular grafts of both Dacron and Teflon occlude rapidly upon implantatio n. In this overview article, the strategies used to improve the patency of these small-diameter grafts, the current status in clinical trials, and fur ther perspectives in the field of artificial vascular graft development are reviewed. It is concluded that, in view of recent developments in tissue e ngineering approaches, the future of small-diameter vascular prostheses loo ks promising.