Heparinized human umbilical vein grafts. Delayed heparin desorption after alcohol treatment

Tanned human umbilical vein grafts (Dardik Biograft, Meadox) were heparinized with tritium-labelled heparin. Two methods of heparinization were undertaken: (1) incubation with heparin followed by ethyl alcohol 50% treatment, and (2) incubation with heparin without alcohol. Grafts were placed in the carotid arteries of sheep and removed 10 and 90 days later. Heparin was lost in contact with blood but the alcohol treatment delayed heparin desorption significantly.