Abstract: Patients having a predisposition for thrombus formation are effectively treated with compositions of acetylsalicylic acid, citric acid, thiamine and/or a zinc salt. The combination of aspirin and citric acid has been found to be significantly more effective in inhibiting platelet aggregability than aspirin alone, and thiamine contributes to the reduction in thrombotic potential by reducing plasma fibrinogen levels. Accordingly, new methods and compositions are disclosed for reducing the thrombotic potential of human or animal subjects, such as in the prophylaxis or treatment of atherosclerosis, vascular surgery patients or other cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: A method of making an impermeable vascular prosthesis is disclosed which comprises the steps of treating a porous textile conduit with a first solution of cross-linking agent; perfusing the conduit with a second solution of cross-linking agent and protein; and drying the perfused conduit to allow gelation in a second solution to form an impermeable vascular prosthesis. Perfusion of the lumen of the prosthesis is performed with sufficient pressure to ensure that all interstices of the porous textile conduit are completely filled. A gelation mixture comprising albumin and glutaraldehyde is preferably utilized for perfusion of the prosthesis. Methods for preserving these grafts indefinitely by treatment with glycerol and other alkyl alcohols are also disclosed.