Experimental Evaluation of a Marlex Vascular Prosthesis. ∗

Summary

A vascular prosthesis of Marlex was implanted as a long aortic bypass graft in dogs and left in place up to 12 months. After 3 months of implantation, the inner surface of the prosthesis had a smooth lining and was firmly attached through the interstices to the periprosthetic tissue. None of the implanted prostheses exhibited stenosis, aneurysm or plaque formation. The inner and outer surfaces of the fabric were covered by a band of hyalinizing fibrous connective tissue. Plaques of osteoid were numerous on the intimal surface. Although the Marlex prosthesis functions adequately as a vascular substitute, unsatisfactory physical properties of this material limit its clinical use.