Improved microvessel repair: laser welding with an anti-thrombotic solder.
OBJECTIVE
Concentrated protein solutions can be used as thermally polymerized solders in laser welding. Solders supplemented with biologically active chemicals may provide in situ drug delivery for localized therapeutics. These studies characterize a serum albumin (SA) solder containing heparin, designed to reduce microvascular thrombosis rates.


METHODS
Samples of heparin added to 30% SA to obtain heparin-to-albumin molar ratios (HAMR) of 4:1 and 2:1 were thermally polymerized, and heparin release into saline was measured. Using a rat thrombosis model, patency was determined for suture, and 0 U/ml (control), 2.5 U/ml, 50 U/ml heparin solder repairs.


RESULTS
Heparin release was five times higher for 4:1 than 2:1 HAMR solder acutely, but was equivalent after 2 days. Animal patency rates were: 50% suture, 0% control, 50% low heparin, 66% high heparin (P < 0.05 vs. control).


CONCLUSIONS
Solders incorporating heparin should provide in situ anti-thrombotic therapy reducing the risk of microvascular thromboses.
ABIOMED, Inc., Cherry Hill Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA. rstewart@abiomed.com
Robert B
RB
Stewart
Lawrence S
LS
Bass
Jeffrey K
JK
Thompson
Naa Dei
ND
Nikoi
Glenn
G
Becker
Robert T V
RT
Kung
D000418:Albumins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D000991:Antithrombins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D051381:Rats; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*
D000418:Albumins; D000991:Antithrombins; D006493:Heparin