Introduction : Because of supply shortage for homologous vein allografts, we had previously used ringed Goretex vascular grafts for middle hepatic vein (MHV) reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation. However, owing to the subsequent unavailability of ringed Goretex grafts, we replaced them with Hemashield vascular grafts. This study aimed to compare the patency of Hemashield grafts with that of ringed Goretex grafts.

Methods : This was a retrospective double-arm study between the study group that used Hemashield grafts (n=63) and the historical control group that used ringed Goretex grafts (n=126).

Results : In the Goretex and Hemashield groups, mean age was 53.1±6.2 and 54.3±10.4 years; model for end-stage liver disease score was 16.5±8.3 and 17.5±9.9; and graft-recipient weight ratio was 1.11±0.23 and 1.12±0.25, respectively. In the Goretex graft group, V5 reconstruction was done in single (n=107, 84.9%), double (n=17, 13.5%) and none (n=2, 1.6%). V8 reconstruction was done in single (n=95, 75.4%), double (n= 1, 0.8%) and none (n=30, 23.8%). In the Hemashield group, V5 reconstruction was done in single (n=43, 68.3%), double (n=19, 30.2%) and triple (n=1, 1.6%). V8 reconstruction was done in single (n=45, 71.4%), double (n=9, 14.3%) and none (n=9, 14.3%). One-year conduit patency rates in the Goretex and Hemashield groups were 54.8% and 71.6%, respectively (p=0.048).

Conclusions : MHV reconstruction using Hemashield vascular grafts demonstrated higher short-term patency rates than those associated with ringed Goretex vascular grafts. We suggest that Hemashield vascular graft can be one of the most preferable prosthetic material for MHV reconstruction.