The Tissue Tube as a Vascular Prosthesis

Silicone rubber rods covered by a polyester fiber mesh were implanted adjacent to either a femoral or carotid artery in 13 dogs. The rods were pulled out eight to ten weeks later and a segment of the carotid or femoral artery was excised and replaced by the newly formed tissue tube. Angiographic studies confirmed the patency of the grafts in ten of 12 animals. The ability to achieve long-term patency in vessels of this size by use of a prosthesis is unique to this method.