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Acellular Tissue Engineered Vessel

Brand names: Symvess

SYMVESS is an acellular tissue engineered vessel used as a vascular conduit to replace injured arteries in the arms or legs.

What it is used for

SYMVESS is used in adults as a vascular conduit for extremity arterial injury when urgent revascularization is needed to avoid imminent limb loss, and autologous vein graft is not feasible.

How it is taken

SYMVESS is surgically implanted by a doctor to replace the injured artery. The length needed is decided by the surgeon. It can be trimmed and used for more than one artery in the same patient. The inner silicone tube must be removed before connecting the graft.

Warnings

  • Loss of SYMVESS integrity due to mid-graft rupture or anastomotic failure can result in life threatening hemorrhage.
  • Do not use if the FreezeAlert shows an 'X' (exposed to freezing).
  • Do not use if the packaging is damaged or expired.
  • Avoid excessive force, kinking, or twisting during handling and implantation.
  • Only balloons up to 6 mm in diameter should be used for any later procedures; larger balloons may tear the graft.

Common side effects

  • Vascular graft thrombosis (28%)
  • Fever (17%)
  • Pain (15%)
  • Anastomotic stenosis (9%)
  • Vascular graft rupture or anastomotic failure (7%)
  • Vascular graft infection (6%)
This summary is written in plain language from the official FDA label. Always follow the directions from your own prescriber and pharmacist, and read the full label linked below.

Frequently asked questions

What is SYMVESS made of?

SYMVESS is an acellular tissue engineered vessel, meaning it is a man-made blood vessel without living cells.

How long is SYMVESS?

SYMVESS is 42 cm long, but after removal from packaging, the usable length is about 40 cm.

Can SYMVESS be used for more than one artery in the same patient?

Yes, a single SYMVESS can be cut into different lengths and used to repair more than one injured artery in the same patient.

What should I do if the FreezeAlert shows an 'X'?

If the FreezeAlert shows an 'X', SYMVESS has been exposed to freezing temperatures and should NOT be used.

What happens if SYMVESS dries out?

If SYMVESS dries out, it is not usable and must be discarded.

Other medications

Sources

Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.