In vitro Hemocompatibility Testing of Dyneema Purity® Fibers Patch and Clinically Used Cardiovascular Prostheses

Objectives
Currently available materials for vascular- and heart valve prostheses carry drawbacks, including the requirement of strong anticoagulants, moderate durability, and the inapplicability for endovascular treatment. Dyneema Purity® fibers are made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, are very thin, strong, flexible and resistant to fatigue and abrasion. This material might be attractive for use in vascular- and valvular surgery. In this study the hemocompatibility of yarn-composed patches of Dyneema Purity® fibers was assessed.
Methods
Three methods were used to compare the hemocompatibility of yarn-composed patches of Dyneema Purity® fibers with 5 clinically used yarn-composed and
membrane-based patches. First, patches were perfused with human blood in a perfusion chamber, thereafter adhered red blood cells and platelets were assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Second, the platelet activation caused by patches was tested using fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay at 1, 3, 6, 24, and 48 hours. Third, various coagulation parameters activated by patches were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
Perfusion experiment showed no differences between patches of Dyneema Purity® fibers and control patches for single platelet and red blood cell adherence. Less platelet aggregation was visible on Dyneema Purity®, compared with one yarn-composed patch, and aggregates were equal compared with the other 4 controls. The platelet activation experiment showed no differences for Dyneema Purity® and other yarn-composed patches. Compared with membranebased patches, there was more platelet activation at 1 hour and 24 hours, but no significant difference at 48 hours. The coagulation activation experiment showed comparable coagulation activation on all patches.
Conclusion
Patches of Dyneema Purity® fibers are noninferior to the used control patches in terms of red blood cell- and platelet adhesion and platelet- and coagulation activation. Therefore, this material may be attractive for use in cardiovascular applications.