PTFE grafts should not be used by surgeons with little or no vascular experi ence. Because numerous reports by experienced vascular surgeons have de scribed the positive attributes of this graft material, many inexperienced surgeons have chosen to use it occasionally. Often the results have been less than expected and probably were related to poor case selection for the graft's use. These surgeons also chose a material that is not elastic and therefore not forgiv ing. It is best suited for use by an experienced vascular surgeon.
This presentation describes techniques in the use of PTFE grafts to enhance positive results in properly selected cases. It is an outgrowth of personal experi ence and that of others to foster an armamentarium of techniques to facilitate the employment of this sophisticated graft by the inexperienced user of the ma terial. Also included is a discussion of nonvascular graft usage.
