[Functional, mechanical, and structural demands in microvascular prostheses (author's transl)].

Fundamental conclusions can be made based on initial experimental experiences concerning microvascular prostheses. Beside having high durability, the microprostheses need to be compatible with other tissues and easy to handle. They must have a microporous structure to allow tissue ingrowth. Negative surface charge, hydrophobic property, and inertness of the synthetic material contribute to avoiding thrombosis. The isodiametric relationship between vessel and micrograft appears to create an optimal hemodynamic situation. For insertion, the use of microsurgical techniques is necessary in determining the future of the implanted micrograft. By performing everting continuous over-and-over suture, the end-to-end anastomosis showed excellent results.