The thrombogenicity of Dacron arterial grafts and its modification by platelet inhibitory drugs.

When blood flows through Dacron arterial grafts, platelets adhere in large numbers to the luminal surface of the grafts. Different types of commercially available Dacron grafts vary in their level of thrombogenicity. This thrombogenic response has been evaluated in an artificial circulation and in patients with Dacron aorto-bifemoral grafts, and the response can be modified by the use of platelet-inhibitory drugs. A double blind trial has shown that when a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole is administered to patients with femoro-popliteal Dacron bypass grafts, then the patency rate of these grafts can be significantly improved.