Wrapped-knitted Dacron and microporous EPTFE conduits for reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract.

The use of the extracardiac conduit for the right ventricle to main pulmonary artery continuity facilitates repair of a wide variety of complex congenital cardiac malformations. Recently, concern has been directed to the appearance of proliferating and obstructive internal peels. In the present study on 18 mongrel dogs, wrapped-knitted Dacron, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE) and wrapped-knitted Dacron/EPTFE conduits were evaluated in the light of internal linings. Macroscopically, the wrapped-knitted Dacron conduits were covered with a thicker and poorly developed neointima, whereas, EPTFE conduits were internally covered with a thin neointima. Microscopically, the neointima on the former was not well healed, while that of the latter was well developed and anchored. Therefore, the EPTFE conduit seems to be superior to the wrapped-knitted Dacron conduit and EPTFE conduit can be used clinically.