Experimental comparative study of arterial implants made of silicone reinforced with polyester fabric and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in rabbits aorta

OBJECTIVES: the aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of a new silicone vascular prostheses with PTFE vascular prostheses, on a rabbit experimental model. METHODS: forty rabbits underwent infra-renal aorta replacement with 4 mm diameter prostheses, twenty animals with PDMS and twenty animals with PTFE (control group). Retrograde aortic angiography was performed to assess patency. Histological graft samples were examined by electron microscopy to evaluate prostheses endothelialization. RESULTS: patency rates were 100% for both grafts after 30 days; after 60 days, patency rate for PDMS was 92.3% (±7.4), and 73,8% (±13.1) at 90 days. PTFE grafts had patency rates of 87.5% (±11.7) at 60 and 90 days. No statistically significant difference was found in between groups for patency rates (p=0.62). Postoperative complications (death, paraplegia) rates (p=0.526) and aortic clamping times (p=0.299) were comparable in both groups. No statistically significant difference for stenosis was found on angiographical analysis between groups (p=0.650). Electron microscopy revealed limited anastomotic endothelial ingrowth in both prostheses. CONCLUSION: in this experimental model, PDMS and PTFE vascular prostheses had comparable outcomes and PDMS prosthesis could be used as a vascular graft.