Experimental implantation of an arterial substitute made of silicone reinforced with polyester fabric in rabbits

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze silicone tubes with an internal diameter of 4 mm as a possible material for vascular prostheses. METHODS: Grafts were implanted into the infrarenal aortas of 33 rabbits. Fluoroscopic examinations were performed within 150 days after surgical implantation. Sample grafts were analyzed via electron microscopy to evaluate the eventual endothelialization of the prostheses. RESULTS: The patency rates of the prostheses were 87% (±6.7%) after 30 days, 73% (±9.3%) after 60 days and 48% (±12%) after 120 days. The material presented characteristics that support surgical implantation: good tolerance promoted by polyester tear reinforcement, ease of postoperative removal and a lack of pseudoaneurysms. However, intimal hyperplasia was a limiting factor for the patency rate. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that polydimethylsiloxane has limited potential as an alternative material for small vascular prostheses.