Thrombus deposition on polyurethanes designed for biomedical applications

Thrombogenicity was assessed by measuring the amount of 111In-platelets and 125I-fibrinogen deposited on the inner luminal surface of six polyurethanes for up to 60 min of blood contact in a canine ex-vivo shunt model. Commercial and laboratory synthesized polymers were examined. Two of the commercially synthesized polyurethanes (Biostable PURs) do not contain ether linkages in the polymer backbone and have previously shown resistance to oxidative and hydrolytic degradation. Static contact angle measurements, dynamic contact angle measurements, and ESCA were used to characterize the surfaces of these polyurethanes. The effectiveness of an acetone extraction used to remove extrusion waxes from Pellethane 2363-80A was similarly studied. Both Pellethane 2363-80A and the ether-free materials had relatively nonthrombogenic surfaces, as indicated by low platelet and fibrinogen deposition, making them potentially good candidates for biomedical applications.