Establishing a swine model to compare vascular prostheses in a contaminated field

Abstract Objective Patch arteriotomies are performed during many vascular procedures. Whereas synthetic materials are generally felt to be inappropriate for infected environments, the suitability of glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium (GBP), a biologic material, in such instances is unknown. Our main objectives were to develop an animal model to study vascular prostheses while comparing the infectability of polyester (Dacron) and GBP in a topically infected environment. Methods Twenty-three pigs underwent transabdominal patch arteriotomy of the infrarenal aorta with either Dacron or GBP. The patches were inoculated with sterile saline (1 per group), Staphylococcus aureus 104 colony-forming units (CFUs) (4 per group), or S. aureus 105 CFUs (6 per group). At 3 wk, the animals were euthanized, and the patches were removed via a left retroperitoneal approach. Specimens were collected for microbiologic and histologic analysis. Results One animal from each group inoculated with 105 CFUs died during the study period, and another died immediately postoperatively of an airway complication. All aortas were patent and without evidence of pseudoaneurysm formation. Gross abscesses were found in 4/6 Dacron and 5/6 GBP animals receiving 105 CFUs. Similarly, 4/6 animals implanted with Dacron and 5/6 animals implanted with GBP had positive tissue cultures. A histologic grading system of inflammation substantiated the culture results. Conclusions No significant difference exists between Dacron and GBP to resist bacterial infection at 3 wk. We have established a reproducible in vivo model to study arterial patch materials in a topically infected environment.