[Optical and scanning electron microscopic observation of a novel small-caliber vascular graft in canine models].

Objective: To observe the histopathological changes of a novel small-caliber vascular graft after implantation in canine theca interna under scanning electron microscope.

Method: A 3 cm segment of the vascular graft (diameter of 4 mm) was implanted in an end-to-end fashion to bridge the severed carotid artery in 19 healthy dogs. Color Doppler sonography was performed 2 weeks after the operation to observe the patency rate of artificial blood vessel.