Biocompatibility of a silicone-coated polypropylene hollow fiber oxygenator in an in vitro model.
BACKGROUND
A silicone-coated microporous hollow-fiber membrane oxygenator has been developed to prevent plasma leakage during long-term use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the oxygenator.


METHODS
A silicone-coated oxygenator was compared with an uncoated oxygenator in an in vitro model of cardiopulmonary bypass. Simulated circulation was maintained for 6 h at 37 degrees C.


RESULTS
Platelet counts decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and leukocyte counts tended to decline; however, the differences between groups were not significant. Concentrations of C3a increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05), but levels were significantly less in the silicone-coated oxygenator (p = 0.008). In contrast, concentrations of C4a, beta-thromboglobulin, and granulocyte elastase increased significantly (p < 0.05), but the differences between groups were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Silicone coating over a microporous hollow-fiber membrane may improve biocompatibility by reducing C3a activation.
Watanabe
H
H
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata City, Japan. watanabe@med.niigata-u.ac.jp
Hayashi
J
J
Ohzeki
H
H
Moro
H
H
Sugawara
M
M
Eguchi
S
S
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015926:Complement C3a / Q000032:analysis*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005112:Extracorporeal Circulation; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010107:Oxygenators, Membrane; D010976:Platelet Count; D012828:Silicones; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin / Q000032:analysis
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D012828:Silicones; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin; D015926:Complement C3a