title: In vitro analysis of polymer candidates for the development of absorbable vascular filters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test absorbable materials as a prelude to development of an absorbable vena cava filter for the prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE).
  
  
  METHODS
  Three absorbing polymer candidates, poliglecaprone (Monocryl; sizes 4-0 and 1), polyglactin (Vicryl; sizes 4-0 and 1), and polydioxanone (PDSII; sizes 4-0, 2-0, 0, and 1), were fabricated into vascular filters and evaluated in an engineered closed circulation system that replicated human physiologic characteristics. Material performance was determined over a period of 10 weeks via weekly tensile testing, yielding stress-versus-strain parameters. Control samples of the same absorbable polymers were also tested in a static buffer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PDSII (size 2-0) retained 69% strength in circulation versus 86% in control at 6 weeks (P < .0001) and 11% strength in circulation versus 51% in control at 10 weeks (P < .001). It was fully absorbed in circulation by 22 weeks. In contrast, Monocryl and Vicryl absorbed much faster, with Monocryl possessing 6% strength at 2 weeks in circulation and Vicryl reaching 0% strength at 4 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Polydioxanone appears to be a strong candidate for novel absorbable vascular filters for PE prevention, with sufficient strength retention to catch emboli for at least 6 weeks and sequentially absorb via hydrolysis into CO(2) and H(2)O within 22 weeks.
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mitcheggers@yahoo.com
authors: Mitchell D
authors: MD
authors: Eggers
authors: Charles A
authors: CA
authors: Reitman
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D004146:Dioxanes / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D016687:Polydioxanone / Q000737:chemistry; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011098:Polyglactin 910 / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors; D016306:Vena Cava Filters
chemical_list: D004146:Dioxanes; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D016687:Polydioxanone; D011098:Polyglactin 910; C095495:glycolide E-caprolactone copolymer