ASAIO GOLD

The 25 Landmark ‘Milestone’ Papers Published by ASAIO

1955-2003

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Vascular Grafts

1. Edwards, W.S. and J.S. Tapp, "Two and a Half Years Experience With Nylon Grafts" Trans ASAIO 3:760-72. 1957.

Commentary: This article details the authors' clinical experience with vascular prosthesis made of nylon. The authors, from Birmingham, Alabama, working with the Chemstrand Corporation of Northern Alabama (a subsidiary of Monsanto) developed a tubular prosthesis for replacement or bypass of diseased arteries. In the process of manufacture, the prosthesis accidentally became crimped and the authors, serendipitously, realized that this may prevent graft occlusion by kinking. This graft, along with others, was discussed at length at the 10th Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery. In spite of early expectations, other properties of nylon proved to be undesirable for use in humans, and other materials gained rapid acceptance.  Incidentally, the Chemstrand company is now known for the manufacture of artificial turf for athletic fields. Dr. Edwards moved to New Mexico where he enjoyed a full and productive career and has had heavy influence on the structure of the scientific program of the Rocky Mountain Vascular Surgical Society. – W. Gerald Rainer, M.D.

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