Evaluation of histological and functional differences of interpositional carotid bypass grafts in an experimental rat model [Deneysel Sıçan Modelinde İnterpozisyonel Karotid Bypass Greftlerinin Histolojik ve Fonksiyonel Farklılıklarının Araştırılması]

Background: cerebral revascularization procedures are performed in order to increase or divert the origin of cerebral blood flow (cbf) to intracranial structures in treatment of complex cerebral aneurysm or skull base tumors. the ideal graft type is still a topic of conflict as different graft types possess different rates of flow (high vs. low) and patency,moreover,availability. the following study was designed to investigate histological changes and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the patency rates in the different graft types (biological vs. artificial) in an experimental model of carotid bypass. methods: twenty-eight wistar rats were divided into 4 groups based on graft types; primary end-to-end anastomoses,arterial,venous and polytetrafluoroethylene (ptfe) interposition grafts. the rats were followed for 3 weeks and the subjects were sacrificed for histological and angiographic examinations. results: the highest rates of patency was observed in arterial grafts (85.7%),followed by venous (42.8%) and ptfe (14.2%). the most important mechanism underlying the graft failure was the fibrin and thrombus formation,whilst,the degree of damage in tunica media and inflammation were also correlated. conclusions: this study showed that the arterial grafts are the most convenient graft type in respect to graft manipulation and patency rates. ptfe grafts without additional coating or medications are not alternative grafts for bypass surgeries yet. © 2015,ege university press. all rights reserved.