EXTENDED INTRAVASCULAR SHUNTING IN AN EXPERIMENTAL-MODEL OF VASCULAR INJURY

Purpose, To examine the extended patency (>24 hrs) of heparin-bonded i ntravascular shunts in a porcine model of vascular injury. Procedures. Adult swine underwent bilateral, common iliac artery resection (n=5) or bilateral common iliac vein resection (n=5) and vessel replacement with interposition, heparin-bonded shunts. Three control swine had ves sel dissection only. Hematologic and coagulation profiles were measure d at baseline and 24 hrs. Limb perfusion was assessed at 24 hrs by cli nical exam and angiography. Results. At 24 hrs, all Limbs in both shun t groups were well perfused. All arterial shunts were angiographically patent. No distal emboli were detected. Nine of 10 venous shunts were patent, seven were lined with non-occluding thrombus. No alterations in hematologic or coagulation profiles were noted. Conclusions. Hepari n-bonded shunts remained patent in arteries for 24 hours. Shunts place d in the venous system were prone to thrombus formation but most remai ned patent.