Citric acid-based elastomers provide a biocompatible interface for vascular grafts

J Biomed Mater Res A. 2010 Apr;93(1):314-24. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.32537.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Blood Vessels / diagnostic imaging
  • Blood Vessels / drug effects
  • Blood Vessels / pathology
  • Citrates / pharmacology*
  • Elastomers / pharmacology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / diagnostic imaging
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Monocytes / drug effects
  • Monocytes / pathology
  • Polymers / pharmacology*
  • Sus scrofa
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis / pathology
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Citrates
  • Elastomers
  • Polymers
  • poly(1,8-octanediol citrate)