title: Small diameter blood vessel prostheses from blends of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide.
abstract: Studies on the relationship between blood platelet adhesion and type and amount of polyether segments in copolyetherurethanes report a reduced platelet adhesion with increasing polyether content. We therefore assumed that combinations of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPOX) might give materials with a good blood compatibility. Water-soluble PEO was attached to PPOX by u.v.-initiated crosslinking. Films were tested for hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, protein adsorption and blood compatibility. The hydrophilicity was determined by swelling experiments. A compromise between hydrophilicity (PEO) and mechanical strength (PPOX) was met at a swelling of 0.5 (PPOX/PEO ratio: 90/10). In protein adsorption studies only small amounts of adsorbed proteins were found. Three blood material interaction in vitro tests gave good results: a low platelet adhesion and kallikrein generation and a high APTT value. Porous tubings (inner diameter 1.3 mm) were fabricated, by spinning from solution, for implantation in the abdominal aorta of rats. Stress-strain diagrams were comparable to those reported for natural blood vessels.
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011108:Polymers; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D011506:Proteins; D051381:Rats; D013499:Surface Properties; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D011506:Proteins; D014867:Water; C012504:polypropylene glycol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols