Abstract

The influence of an SPUU-PEO-Heparin (B-PEO-HEP) co-polymer coated blood contacting surface on patency and platelet deposition in small diameter (4 mm i.d.) Biomer grafts was investigated using a canine model. Grafts were implanted in the bilateral carotid and femoral arteries. B-PEO-HEP coated grafts still showed patency after 3 days. Control Biomer grafts occluded before 24 hr. (postoperatively). SEM of the luminal surfaces of the Biomer grafts demonstrated large amounts of adherent platelets with distorted morphologies, while B-PEO-HEP grafts did not. In platelet studies, B-PEO-HEP grafts showed significantly less platelet adhesion than Biomer grafts. The improved blood compatibility of B-PEO-HEP graft co-polymer coatings attests to their usefulness for coating or casting.

©1991 American Society of Artificial Internal Organs