Development of Anthron, an antithrombogenic coating for angiographic catheters

A new heparinized hydrophilic polymer (Anthron) which contains a large amount of heparin ionically bound to the polymer matrix has been developed. Anthron showed excellent and long-term blood compatibility both in animal and clinical tests. It has been clarified that the long-term blood compatibility of Anthron results from its negative membrane potential and continuous release of heparin from its surface into the blood at the rate of more than 0.01 unit/cm2 min. The application of Anthron for angiographic catheters was studied, and we evaluated the effects of our antithrombogenic angiographic catheter (AAC). As controls, polyurethane catheters (PUC), and polyethylene catheters (PEC), were studied in a similar manner. In addition, the mechanisms of thrombus formation and its complications are discussed.