Fatal Rupture of an Ivalon (Polyvinyl Formalinized) Sponge Aortic Graft into Duodenum

Late presentation of polyvinyl alcohol sponge (Ivalon) aortic graft failure.

“…Early reports were encouraging, and it was considered favourably in a comprehensive review by Rob et al (1955-6). Subsequent experience, however, showed difficulties in manufacture and, more seriously, a tendency in vivo to loss of tensile strength, failure of fibrous tissue ingrowth, calcification, and in some cases rupture (Brown and Essig, 1959;Sauvage et al, 1967). The failure reported here showed features similar to those of earlier dates, including the failure of fibrous tissue ingrowth, but the development of stenosis at the sites of anastomosis and the length of time between insertion and rupture are unique features.…”