Objective To explore whether 125I-vascular endothel ial growth factor (VEGF)-coated artificial vascular patch accelerate the vessel endothel ial ization and inhibit thrombosis. Methods Ten adult male New Zealand rabbits (weighing 2.5-3.0 kg) were allocated into experimental group (n=5) and control group (n=5). In experimental group, the right common jugular vein was exposed for vascular clamping between proximal location and distal location, and then a 10 mm × 5 mm 125I-VEGF-coated artificial vascular patch was implanted into the right common jugular vein and sutured with 8-0 thread.In control group, the artificial vascular patch was implanted. After 2 weeks, the vein specimens were collected to measure the residues of 125I-VEGF by γ-ray counter. HE staining and immunohistochemical staining for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and CD34 were performed. The vascular endothel ial cells were counted and the intimal thickness was measured. Results The γ-ray counter showed the residues of 125I-VEGF in experimental group was (427.5 ± 194.9) CPM after 2 weeks, equivalent to 2.0% ± 0.8% of the preoperative value. Thrombosis formed in 2 rabbits of control group; no thrombosis formed in experimental group. There was significant difference in the intimal thickness [(41.1 ± 6.6) μm vs (49.0 ± 6.9) μm, P lt; 0.05]; but no significant difference in the vascular endothel ial cells count between experimental group and control group (60.0 ± 6.8 vs 58.0 ± 5.7, P gt; 0.05). Conclusion 125I-VEGF-coated artificial vascular patch can reduce thrombosis and inhibit intimal prol iferation at the acute phase. A consecutive l ine of endothel ial cells can form after implantation of patch in the rabbit jugular vein, however, the function of endothel ial cells may be premature.