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Improved microvessel repair: laser welding with an anti-thrombotic solder
Robert B Stewart1, Lawrence S Bass, Jeffrey K Thompson
1ABIOMED, Inc., Cherry Hill Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA. rstewart@abiomed.com
Background And Objectives:
Concentrated protein solutions can be used as thermally polymerized solders in laser welding. Solders supplemented with biologically active chemicals may provide in situ drug delivery for localized therapeutics. These studies characterize a serum albumin (SA) solder containing heparin, designed to reduce microvascular thrombosis rates.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
Samples of heparin added to 30% SA to obtain heparin-to-albumin molar ratios (HAMR) of 4:1 and 2:1 were thermally polymerized, and heparin release into saline was measured. Using a rat thrombosis model, patency was determined for suture, and 0 U/ml (control), 2.5 U/ml, 50 U/ml heparin solder repairs.
Results:
Heparin release was five times higher for 4:1 than 2:1 HAMR solder acutely, but was equivalent after 2 days. Animal patency rates were: 50% suture, 0% control, 50% low heparin, 66% high heparin (P < 0.05 vs. control).
Conclusions:
Solders incorporating heparin should provide in situ anti-thrombotic therapy reducing the risk of microvascular thromboses.