RT Journal
A1 Stansel HC, Jr, Fenn JE, Tilson M, Laks H
T1 SUrgical principles and polytetrafluoroethylene
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 1979
FD November 1
VO 114
IS 11
SP 1291
OP 1294
DO 10.1001/archsurg.1979.01370350093010
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1979.01370350093010
AB • This report describes a 24-month follow-up in 100 consecutive polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) arterial grafts. Although initial results were superb, a continued follow-up has showed extremely high closure rates for femoropopliteal and femorotibial grafts. The primary reason for this high attrition rate is thought to be stasis. We believe that PTFE is clearly the best synthetic arterial replacement available, but the material does not approach the autogenous saphenous vein in terms of long-term patency. Therefore, in spite of its many advantages, we do not recommend the elective use of PTFE for peripheral small-vessel bypass.(Arch Surg 114:1291-1294, 1979)