KNITTED DOUBLE-VELOUR DACRON PROSTHESES IN AORTOBIFEMORAL POSITION - LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT COATING MATERIALS

Background: The purpose of this prospectively randomized study was to evaluate intraoperative as well as long-term performance of different coating materials for knitted Dacron aortobifemoral prostheses. Patien ts and methods: Between 1989 and 1992 a total of 150 consecutive patie nts who underwent aortobifemoral bypass were randomized for three diff erent coating materials: gelatine (Unigraft(TM); n = 49), collagen (He mashield(TM); n = 50) and human albumin (USCI(TM) n = 51). Intra- and perioperative data such as duration of operation, clamping time, blood loss, and early complications were obtained as well as yearly follow- up examinations lip to five years. Frequency of late complications, gr aft patency, and patient survival were observed Results: No statistica lly significant difference of intraoperative data could be obtained ln every group 6% of patients presented with anastomotic aneurysm in the groin. Primary patency rates were Unigraft(TM) 92%, Hemashield(TM) 91 %, USCI(TM) 92% (no significant difference, n. s.), secondary patency rates after 5 years were Unigraft(TM) 98%, Hemashield(TM) 95%, USCI(TM ) 94% (n. s.). Conclusions: Overall superiority of one particular type of prosthesis could not be stated. In order to prevent sudden graft f ailure associated with progressive arteriosclerotic disease or from la te anastomotic aneurysm regular follow-up examinations should follow a orto-bifemoral bypass.