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Published on: October 26, 2016
Heparin-modified small-diameter nanofibrous vascular grafts
Randall Raphael R Janairo1, Jeffrey J D Henry, Benjamin Li-Ping Lee
1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720USA.
IEEE Transactions on Nanobioscience
|March 22, 2012
Summary
Heparin-modified nanofibrous vascular grafts show improved patency and endothelialization in rat carotid artery bypass models. This modification prevents thrombosis and promotes cell infiltration for better graft remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Small-diameter vascular grafts are needed for bypass procedures.
- Current grafts face challenges with patency and thrombosis.
- Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds offer potential as vascular graft materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate heparin-modified nanofibrous vascular grafts.
- To assess the antithrombogenic and remodeling properties of these grafts.
- To improve patency rates in a carotid artery bypass model.
Main Methods:
- Produced 1-mm diameter nanofibrous vascular grafts via electrospinning.
- Conjugated heparin to nanofibers using di-amino-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a linker.
- Evaluated antithrombogenic activity in vitro and graft patency in vivo using a rat carotid artery bypass model.
Main Results:
- Heparin-modified grafts showed 85.7% patency after 1 month, compared to 57.1% for PEGylated and 42.9% for untreated grafts.
- In vitro studies confirmed the antithrombogenic activity of heparin-modified scaffolds.
- Patent grafts exhibited complete endothelialization, neovascularization, and increased cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Heparin modification enhances the patency and function of nanofibrous vascular grafts.
- Heparin conjugation prevents thrombosis and promotes graft remodeling through cell infiltration.
- These findings support the use of heparin-modified grafts for vascular bypass applications.
