Effects of whole blood clots, time, and implant size on vascularization and collagen deposition along Teflon-ensheathed carbon fibers implanted in ewes.

ABSTRACT

Seventy-two subcutaneous implants were examined to evaluate connective tissue response to Teflon-ensheathed carbon fibers and whole blood clots. Carbon fibers significantly (P less than or equal to 0.001) increased vascularization and collagen formation within the Teflon sheath. Carbon fibers provide a potentially strong scaffold that would physically support cell migration during wound healing. However, obvious foreign body reactions occurred, which indicate that further studies on the biologic features of carbon fiber are needed before carbon fibers become entirely acceptable for long-term implantation. Compared with no-clot controls, Teflon tubes containing only whole blood clots stimulated a significant (P less than or equal to 0.001) wound-healing response, including organized collagen fiber formation. Other variables tested in this study such as length and diameter of the Teflon tubes did not significantly influence connective tissue responses.