Processed bovine pericardium as patch angioplasty for carotid endarterectomy: a preliminary report

Although the routine use of a patch for closure of the arteriotomy after carotid endarterectomy is still debated, patch angioplasty is frequently used to avoid residual stenosis and to lower the incidence of later restenosis. Several materials are widely used for carotid patching, notably, autologous vein, Dacron and polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE). During recent years a heterologous stabilized graft made from bovine pericardium has been introduced. This paper reports the authors' experience of 52 carotid endarterectomies in which a patch of bovine pericardium was used to close the arteriotomy. The patients were followed with colour-duplex scanning over 12-30 months. This biograft did not require preclotting and proved to be easy to suture. Follow-up did not uncover any complications related to graft use. Although this is a preliminary report, it is concluded that bovine pericardium is a promising material for carotid patch angioplasty.