The Hemashield Woven prosthesis in the thoracic aorta: a prospective computer tomography follow-up study.

Background: Dacron prostheses in humans have been documented to present long-term fiber alterations, that may account for late graft dilatation. Late dilatation has been documented mainly in knitted prostheses, implanted in the abdominal and thoracic aorta. Dilatation of the collagen-impregnated Hemashield Woven prosthesis has not been studied prospectively in the thoracic aorta.

Methods: Twenty patients were prospectively included. The intraoperative performance of the graft and mid-term clinical behaviour were studied. The graft distensibility was evaluated by postoperative, 1 and 3 yr computed tomographic diameter follow-up.

Results: There were no hospital deaths. Two graft-unrelated deaths occurred at 3 yr. The graft performance was excellent or good for most aspects. No significant changes in CT diameter occurred throughout the 3 yr follow-up.

Conclusion: The collagen-impregnated Hemashield Woven prosthesis is considered safe in replacements of the thoracic aorta. Future evaluation should focus on the very long-term behaviour in young adults.