• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.82-89
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• 2000

The blood compatibilities of PU/PVA polymer blends with different mixing ratios were evaluated using various methods, such as fibrinogen adsorption, plasma recalcification time, platelet adhesion, whole blood clotting time, and complement activation. In addition, PVA on the surface of the polymer blends was crosslinked by glutaraldehyde to restrain the mobility of PVA molecules for characterizing the effect of PVA in the polymer blends on blood compatibility. The fibrinogen adsorption on the polymer blends decreased with the increase of PVA amount in the polymer blends. The plasma recalcification times of the polymer blends with 10-50 wt% PVA were longer than those of PU, PVA, and polymer blends with higher amount of PVA. The morphological changes and adhesion of platelets on the polymer blends with 30-50 wt% PVA were less than those on the other materials. The blood clotting times and complement activation on the polymer blends with 30-50 wt% PVA were reduced, compared to the other materials. On the other hand, the blood compatibility of the crosslinked polymer blends was relatively decreased, compared to the non-crosslinked ones. According to these experimental results, the blood compatibility of the polymer blends with 30-50 wt% PVA was better than that of the other materials and such a blood compatibility of the polymer blends might be related to the mobility of PVA molecules on the surface.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.63-72
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• 2003

Although a variety of synthetic vascular grafts are available in modern vascular surgery, no ideal prosthesis ha,4 yet been developed. Small-caliber vascular grafts with low flow, as used in the lower extremity, continue to become thrombosed at unacceptable rates. We have developed and evaluated the new antithrombogenic blood contacting surfaces in canine model. Material and Method: Two now antithrombogenic blood contacting surfaces(Polyvinylalcohol -Polyurethane(PVA-PU) blend and natural Graphite-polyurethane(G-PU) blend) have been developed and evaluated in canine model, using vascular grafts and patches. The luminal surfaces of the test vascular grafts(5 mm ID) were fabricated by dipping a glass rod in PVA-PU blend solution(50 % PVA) using phase separation method. Mongrel dogs of either sex weighing 18-22 kg were anesthetized by endotracheal intubation using halothane and their lungs were ventilated with a volume-cycled ventilator, Maintenance anesthesia with 0.5-1.0% halothane and supplemental oxygen was used. Two pairs were used for comparison in the bilateral femoral arteries for both vascular grafts(PVA-PU vs. PU) and vascular patches(G-PU vs. PU). Bilateral groin incisions were made and the arteries were exposed and clamped. After an excision of 1 cm of the artery between clamps, a grail of 2.5 cm in length was implanted end-to-end using 6-0 polypropylene suture. The vascular patch was implanted as a form of on-lay patch. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 16 weeks for vascular grafts and 1, 2. 4 and 6 weeks for vascular patches. Result The vascular grafts of PVA-PU blends showed patent lumina in the 2 and 16 weeks animals, while those of PU showed a patent lumen in 2 weeks animal. PVA-PU graft of 16 weeks showed a fairly clean luminal surface. A light microscopic finding of this graft demonstrated good tissue infiltration through porosity, The animals with vascular patches showed patent arteries in both groups except 2 weeks animal. Scanning electron microscopy of the luminal surfaces of G-PU patches in 4 and 6 weeks animals showed endothelial cell covering with microvilli. PU patches showed qualitatively less endothelial cell covering. Conclusion: In conclusion, PVA-PU and G-PU blends can be a promising blood contacting surfaces for application in a synthetic vascualr graft. However, further animal study is needed to determine the real long-term effects of these methods of surface modifications.