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Improved microvessel repair: Laser welding with an anti‐thrombotic solder
Author(s) -
Stewart Robert B.,
Bass Lawrence S.,
Thompson Jeffrey K.,
Nikoi Naa Dei,
Becker Glenn,
Kung Robert T.V.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.10071
Subject(s) - heparin , thrombosis , soldering , microvessel , saline , neovascularization , fibrous joint , medicine , biomedical engineering , surgery , materials science , metallurgy , angiogenesis
Background and Objectives Concentrated protein solutions can be used as thermally polymerized solders in laser welding. Solders supplemented with biologically active chemicals may provide in situ drug delivery for localized therapeutics. These studies characterize a serum albumin (SA) solder containing heparin, designed to reduce microvascular thrombosis rates. Study Design/Materials and Methods Samples of heparin added to 30% SA to obtain heparin‐to‐albumin molar ratios (HAMR) of 4:1 and 2:1 were thermally polymerized, and heparin release into saline was measured. Using a rat thrombosis model, patency was determined for suture, and 0 U/ml (control), 2.5 U/ml, 50 U/ml heparin solder repairs. Results Heparin release was five times higher for 4:1 than 2:1 HAMR solder acutely, but was equivalent after 2 days. Animal patency rates were: 50% suture, 0% control, 50% low heparin, 66% high heparin ( P < 0.05 vs. control). Conclusions Solders incorporating heparin should provide in situ anti‐thrombotic therapy reducing the risk of microvascular thromboses. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:36–40, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.