Evaluation of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE) suture in peripheral vascular surgery using EPTFE prosthetic vascular grafts.

A new suture material, EPTFE, is available for use in vascular anastomoses. This study evaluated the EPTFE suture in 115 procedures on 108 patients, resulting in 198 EPTFE anastomoses. Average length of follow-up was 12.8 months with a range of two to 26 months. No incidence of suture failure resulting in infection, false aneurysm, or anastomotic dehiscence was found. Handling characteristics were found to be favorable. Anastomotic bleeding was minimal in 79%, and excessive in 5%. Available data suggest that physical and biologic characteristics of EPTFE suture are favorable. Long-term clinical follow-up is needed.