Objective       To evaluate the  antibacterial ability of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) after autologous vascularization in rats.       Methods       ePTFE films were randomly implanted into 20 rats subcutaneously for autologous vascularization for 12 weeks. The tissue growth in the materials was observed. Incisions were made on the two sides (distance=2 cm) of the b

ack midline. Staphylococcus epidermidis of 10 μL (10

5

~10

8

CFU/L) was injected into the incisions

and ePTFE with or without autologous vascularization were implanted into the incisions. After 1 week

the materials were taken out to count the number of adhered bacteria.       Results       HE staining results displayed that ePTFE after autologous vascularization had normal cell infiltration and tissue growth but no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration

while ePTFE without autologous vascularization had a large amount of inflammatory cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed blood vessel tissue and a few of bacterial colonies on the surface of ePTFE after autologous vascularization

but no blood vessel tissue and a large amount of bacterial colonies on the surface of ePTFE without autologous vascularization. The number of adhesion colonies was (4.73±0.62)×10

7

CFU/L in the autologous vascularization group and (15.46±1.33)×10

7

CFU/L in the control group which was significantly less (

P

0.05).       Conclusion       Microcirculation can be quickly established between ePTFE implants after autologous vascularization and the surrounding tissues. ePTFE implants after autologous vascularization  show reduced bacteria adhesion and improved the antibacterial ability.