University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed an innovative self-cleaning porous layer designed to minimize thrombus (blood clot) formation on blood-contacting medical devices. This new technology aims to address one of the most critical challenges in cardiovascular surgery: preventing thrombosis, which can lead to device failure. By utilizing the blood's natural flow to create a self-cleaning effect, this porous layer could significantly enhance the safety and longevity of devices such as vascular grafts, stents, and other blood-contacting instruments.
Description
The self-cleaning porous layer is a novel approach to reducing thrombogenicity (tendency to develop blood clots) on cardiovascular devices. The layer is designed to work by allowing blood to flow through during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle and reversing during the diastolic phase. This reversal flow repels platelets, preventing their activation and aggregation on the device surface. The design also destabilizes protein films that form immediately after the introduction of the biomaterial, further reducing the risk of clot formation. The porous layer is customizable, allowing for control over various properties such as permeability, stiffness, and thickness.
Applications
- Cardiovascular Devices
- Thrombosis Prevention
- Biomedical Research
Advantages
The self-cleaning porous layer offers a significant advancement in cardiovascular device technology by providing a customizable, chemical-free solution that minimizes thrombus formation. By harnessing natural blood flow to create a self-cleaning effect, this technology not only reduces the risk of clot formation but also enhances the safety, performance, and longevity of blood-contacting devices such as vascular grafts and stents. Its design flexibility allows for tailoring the layer’s material, structure, and mechanical properties to meet specific needs, while avoiding the complications associated with traditional chemical coatings.
Invention Readiness
The self-cleaning porous layer has undergone extensive computational studies to validate its effectiveness in a bilayered tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG). The design has been optimized for various parameters, including thickness, permeability, and stiffness, ensuring the technology can be adapted for a wide range of applications. The technology is at the concept stage, with ongoing development to bring it closer to clinical use.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230338627A1
