title: Biomaterial testing for covered stent membranes: evaluating thrombosis and restenosis potential.
abstract: Covered stents may be able to prevent both thrombosis and restenosis, but new mechanically suitable and biocompatible materials are needed before this treatment option can become a reality. Hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogels have desirable mechanical properties for covered stent membranes and may be able to provide a physical barrier to restenosis with low thrombogenicity. An in vitro flow loop with porcine blood was used to compare thrombus formation on different blood-contacting biomaterials. PVA cryogels were found to maintain blood flow with low thrombogenicity and were significantly less thrombogenic than polyester (p < 0.05). The ability to prevent hyperplasic in-growth was evaluated using a modified Boyden chamber cellular migration assay. PVA cryogel membranes used as a physical barrier were found to nearly eliminate cellular migration (p < 0.05) without cellular toxicity. Overall, this article demonstrates pivotal feasibility results for a covered stent membrane material that could prevent restenosis by means of a hydrogel barrier with low thrombogenicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: Jason D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: David N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Ku
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D015607:Stents; D013552:Swine; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol