Gauge for Edwards Teflon Arterial Graft - Straight Woven
Date1990s
Object NameGauge
MediumPaper
ClassificationsMedicine and Healthcare
Dimensions5.1 x 30.3cm
AcquisitionPresented in 2000 by Morag Middleton.
LocationView by Appointment
Object numberABDMS069514.3
About MeSynthetic vascular grafts (replacing damaged blood vessels with man-made material) was introduced in the 1950s. Then it was the practice to buy lengths of material (such as Dacron and Teflon) which was cut to suitable sizes. This was taken to theatre, autoclaved (sterilised by heat) and chosen according to the size of blood vessel being replaced. Mr Maver carried out this work at Aberden Royal Infirmary in the 1950s. Two types of material were used: woven and knitted. Knitted grafts were more difficult to work with in that leaks occurred if the graft was not first pre-clotted with the patient's blood. Knitted grafts were favoured in elective surgery where time was available to the surgeon. In trauma and emergency work woven was employed.
