Related Experiment Videos
Biocompatibility of a silicone-coated polypropylene hollow fiber oxygenator in an in vitro model
H Watanabe1, J Hayashi, H Ohzeki
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata City, Japan. watanabe@med.niigata-u.ac.jp
Background:
A silicone-coated microporous hollow-fiber membrane oxygenator has been developed to prevent plasma leakage during long-term use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the oxygenator.
Methods:
A silicone-coated oxygenator was compared with an uncoated oxygenator in an in vitro model of cardiopulmonary bypass. Simulated circulation was maintained for 6 h at 37 degrees C.
Results:
Platelet counts decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and leukocyte counts tended to decline; however, the differences between groups were not significant. Concentrations of C3a increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05), but levels were significantly less in the silicone-coated oxygenator (p = 0.008). In contrast, concentrations of C4a, beta-thromboglobulin, and granulocyte elastase increased significantly (p < 0.05), but the differences between groups were not significant.
Conclusions:
Silicone coating over a microporous hollow-fiber membrane may improve biocompatibility by reducing C3a activation.