Does activation of porcine endothelium in response to xenogeneic serum cause thrombosis independently of platelet activation?
Xenogeneic complement induces endothelial cell activation and thrombosis which is independent of platelet activation. Complement deposition elicits a rapid generation of ROS that lead to overexpression of endothelial adhesive molecules instrumental for platelet deposition.
A thrombosed prosthetic graft near a patent prosthetic bypass may become secondarily infected and threaten the patent graft. We recommend total removal of any thrombosed prosthetic graft in proximity to a patent prosthetic bypass when the risk of infection is high or at the time of subsequent amputation for gangrene.