Citric acid-based elastomers provide a biocompatible interface for vascular grafts.
Prosthetic vascular bypass grafting is associated with poor long-term patency rates. Herein, we report on the mid-term performance of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts modified with a citric acid-based biodegradable elastomer. Through a spin-shearing method, ePTFE grafts were modified by mechanically coating a layer of poly(1,8 octanediol citrate) (POC) onto the luminal nodes and fibrils of the ePTFE. Control and POC-ePTFE grafts were implanted into the porcine carotid artery circulation as end-to-side bypass grafts. Grafts were assessed by duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction contrast angiography and were all found to be patent with no hemodynamically significant stenoses. At 4 weeks, POC-ePTFE grafts were found to be biocompatible and resulted in a similar extent of neointimal hyperplasia as well as leukocyte and monocyte/macrophage infiltration as control ePTFE grafts. Furthermore, POC supported endothelial cell growth. Lastly, scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of POC on the ePTFE grafts at 4 weeks. Thus, these data reveal that surface modification of blood-contacting surfaces with POC results in a biocompatible surface that does not induce any untoward effects or inflammation in the vasculature. These findings are important as they will serve as the foundation for the development of a drug-eluting vascular graft.
Kibbe
Melina R
MR
Division of Vascular Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. mkibbe@nmh.org
Martinez
Janet
J
Popowich
Daniel A
DA
Kapadia
Muneera R
MR
Ahanchi
Sadaf S
SS
Aalami
Oliver O
OO
Jiang
Qun
Q
Webb
Antonio R
AR
Yang
Jian
J
Carroll
Timothy
T
Ameer
Guillermo A
GA
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D002951:Citrates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020724:Elastomers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D011108:Polymers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D034421:Sus scrofa; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002951:Citrates; D020724:Elastomers; D011108:Polymers; C513817:poly(1,8-octanediol citrate)