Collagen- versus gelatine-coated Dacron versus stretch PTFE bifurcation grafts for aortoiliac occlusive disease:: Long-term results of a prospective, randomized multicenter trial

Background. In this prospective randomized multicenter trial, knitted gelatine-coated Dacron, knitted collagen-coated Dacron, and stretch poly tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) aortic bifurcation grafts were compared for their long-term results. Methods. Between 1991 and 1998, 149 patients undergoing elective revascularization for aortoiliac occlusive disease were prospectively randomized at 3 tertiary referral centers of vascular surgery. The patients received either gelatine-coated Dacron (GEL-D) grafts (n = 52), collagen-coated Dacron (COLD) grafts (n = 49), or stretch PTFE grafts (n = 48). Results. No intraoperative deaths were recorded. The 30-day mortality was 4%. The mean follow-up time was 97 months. Primary patency rates were 77% for GEL-D, 78% for COL-D, and 79% for PTFE at 8 years. The differences were not different (P > .8). Secondary corrected 8-year patency rates were also not significantly different (P > .5): 91% for GEL-D, 96% for COL-Dm and 90% for PTFE. Five Dacron and 1 PTFE grafts were affected by infections. Conclusions. Bifurcation grafts for revascularization of aortoiliac occlusive disease using these 3 materials were comparable in terms. of primary and secondary patency and long-term complication rates.