The Experimental Use of Steel Mesh Tubes for the Replacement of Arterial Segments

Abstract

A large share of current research in vascular surgery is devoted to the development and testing of various materials which may serve as prostheses for the major arteries. The difficulties of obtaining and preserving aortic homografts and the consequent desirability of suitable substitutes are widely recognized. There is general agreement on most of the characteristics which the ideal vascular prosthesis should possess. Among these are inertness, durability, and ease of handling and sterilization. It should be readily available and preferably inexpensive. The recent reports of Hufnagel¹ and Schumaker and co-workers² indicate that plastic tubes presently offer the most promising results. This study on a group of dogs reports the use of fine mesh stainless steel tubes as replacement grafts for segments of the abdominal aorta. Solid tubes of various metals³ have been used as arterial substitutes for many years with little success. Steel mesh, however, is a