Page 80 - Virtual Vascular Vol 20
P. 80
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This is a VASCULAR PROSTHETIC GRAFT made of expanded Tetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE), com-
monly referred to as Gore-tex (but also manufactured by other companies). It is mainly used
for vascular interposition grafts / bypasses in medium sized arteries (e.g. Femoro-popliteal
bypass), and as a conduit for arteriovenous graft in hemodialysis. This particular graft contains
outer reinforcing PTFE rings to give extra support against compression and kinking.
PTFE grafts in smaller sized arteries have the advantage over other materials (such as Dacron)
in superior patency and resistance to infection. Complications of prosthetic grafts can include
graft infection, occlusion, and pseudoaneurysm formation.
OSCE Feb 2023
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