Anticalcification Technology for Xenograft Tissue Heart
Valve Materials, 18-9356
Principal Investigators
Henry W. Oviatt
Neal Vail
James Oxley
Inclusive Dates: 10/01/02 - Current
Background - Calcification of artificial tissue heart valves is a major complicating event for recipients of these types of valves. Various methods have been utilized to reduce the amount of calcification that develops on an implant. The project objective was to test some existing methods of anticalcification treatment and compare those with new anticalcification methods. We also sought to develop some unique hydrogel materials with potential for use as vascular graft devices.
Approach - Our approach initial approach was
to develop some high throughput
in-vitro calcification methods using photometric
methods. We utilized exisiting anticalcification technology for our treatment
groups, some of which are commercially available, along with some new materials
for anticalcification treatment.
Accomplishments - Our in-vitro results were inconsistent, and we therefore need to explore some alternative test methods more widely used in the commercial heart valve market. Two patent disclosures have been submitted on anticalcification treatments and tissue fixation methods with enhanced anticalcification potential. A third patent disclosure is in the works for the hydrogel materials. We have produced a number of hydrogel films with excellent wet strength that show potential as vascular graft devices and possibly other biomaterials applications such as dialysis. The project work is ongoing and will be completed in FY2004.
