UNASSIGNED: Biotubes (internal diameter ca. 4.0 mm, length ca. 5.0 cm, and wall thickness ca. 0.7 mm) were prepared through subcutaneous embedding of specially designed molds in beagle dogs for 8 weeks. The Biotubes were then implanted between the common carotid artery and the jugular vein of beagles via three methods, including side-to-side (in) -end-to-end (out) as type 1 (n = 4), side-to-side (both) as type 2 (n = 4), and side-to-end (in) -end-to-side (out) as type 3 (n = 1 using a composite Biotube).
UNASSIGNED: Although two cases in type 1 and 2 resulted in Biotube deformation, all cases were patent for 4 weeks and maintained a continuous turbulent flow. At 4 weeks after implantation, percutaneous puncture could be performed repeatedly without aneurysm formation or hemorrhage.
UNASSIGNED: Within a short implantation period, with limited animal numbers, this proof-of-concept study showed that Biotubes may have a high potential for use in vascular access.