Experimental study on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE) for portal vein reconstruction with combined operation of the digestive tract.

For evaluating the resistance of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE) to infection, an E-PTFE vascular graft was exposed to intestinal contents and transplanted into the canine portal vein. In group A, E-PTFE tubular graft was inserted into the portal vein defect. In group B, choledochojejunostomy was also performed combined with the E-PTFE graft interposition. In an early stage infiltration of leukocytes was observed around the graft removed from the dog. However, exploration of the periprosthetic adventitial attachment revealed no infiltration of leukocytes in both groups more than three months after operation. The results showed no morphological difference in the formation of neointima and no statistical discrepancy of patency rates (X2-test; 0.5 less than p less than 0.75). These results demonstrated superiority of the E-PTFE vascular substitute in terms of being antithrombogenic and refractory to infection.