What type of graft needs pre-clotting and is often used during AAA?

The type of graft that requires pre-clotting and is commonly used during an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is the Dacron knitted graft. Dacron is a synthetic material that has been widely utilized for vascular grafting due to its durability and compatibility with blood vessels.

Pre-clotting involves the process of enhancing the graft’s ability to form a stable blood clot upon implantation, which is crucial for ensuring good graft integration and reducing the risk of complications such as leakage or thrombosis. The porous nature of the Dacron knitted graft allows blood to infiltrate the material, promoting clot formation that helps secure the graft in place within the vascular system.

Other graft types mentioned, such as skin grafts, fasciocutaneous grafts, and free flaps, are primarily used in reconstructive and plastic surgery for covering wounds or defects, rather than for vascular applications. They do not possess the specific properties or requirements related to vascular grafting made necessary by the circumstances of AAA repair.