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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
A Hydrogel Construct and Fibrin-based Glue Approach to Deliver Therapeutics in a Murine Myocardial Infarction Model.
Published on: June 14, 2015
Bi-layered polyurethane - Extracellular matrix cardiac patch improves ischemic ventricular wall remodeling in a rat
Antonio D'Amore1, Tomo Yoshizumi2, Samuel K Luketich2
1Department of Bioengineering, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Fondazione RiMED, Italy; DICGIM, Università di Palermo, Italy.
This study developed a cardiac patch combining mechanical support and extracellular matrix (ECM) delivery to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy. The ECM-enhanced patch mitigated adverse remodeling and improved heart function post-myocardial infarction in rats.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Research
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy, resulting from myocardial infarction, leads to heart failure.
- Current treatments aim to support the ventricle and modulate pathological remodeling.
- Cardiac patches offer a potential solution by providing mechanical support and delivering therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel cardiac patch incorporating extracellular matrix (ECM) for treating ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- To assess the impact of patch anisotropy on pathological remodeling after myocardial infarction.
- To investigate the combined benefits of mechanical support and ECM delivery in a rat infarction model.
Main Methods:
- Development of microfibrous, elastomeric, biodegradable cardiac patches with and without ECM components.
- Epicardial placement of patches in a rat chronic infarction model.
- Assessment of cardiac function (echocardiography), structural remodeling (mechanical testing, microstructural analysis), and cellular remodeling (angiogenesis) 8–10 weeks post-infarction.
Main Results:
- Cardiac ECM incorporation significantly altered maladaptive remodeling post-myocardial infarction.
- Patches decreased left ventricular (LV) global mechanical compliance and inhibited functional deterioration.
- ECM-enhanced patches mitigated scar formation, reduced LV wall thinning, and promoted angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- A cardiac patch combining mechanical support with ECM delivery is beneficial for treating ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- The developed patch design mitigates adverse cardiac remodeling and improves cardiac function.
- Further investigation into patch anisotropy effects may be warranted, considering potential encapsulation interference.
