Physical characteristics of implanted polytetrafluoroethylene grafts: a preliminary report
R. F. Kempczinski
Despite the widespread clinical use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
grafts, few reports dealing with their physical properties have appeared in
the literature. In the past 20 months, 17 such grafts have been implanted
into 15 patients threatened with limb loss, with an 88% immediate graft
patency. Postoperatively, all patients underwent periodic evaluations;
arteriograms were obtained in four. The effect of knee flexion on graft
function was also studied. All grafts were found capable of withstanding
cuff pressures in excess of 300 mm Hg without occlusion. With 90 degrees
flexion, the grafts kinked crossing the knee joint but a pressure gradient
or decrease in pulsatile blood flow did not develop. This remarkable
resistance to external compression should render these grafts especially
valuable for extra-anatomic bypass.
