Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world. This may lead to arterial stenosis. When this occurs, the consequences range from gangrene, to stroke to myocardial infarction. At the moment, autologous saphenous veins are the treatment modality of choice in low blow flow vessels such as the coronary arteries. However, in many cases the saphenous vein is either unsuitable or unavailable (due to previous stripping). In such a setting, the need for an artificial prosthesis is vital. We propose to test in canines a compliant, microporous polyurethane bypass graft which has shown a low thrombogenicity profile, as well as high biocompatibility index in European clinical trials. The vascular graft will be fabricated from our patented biodurable polyurethane tradenamed ChronoFlex. The graft will feature autologous seeded endothelial cells transplanted into the graft by means of a novel electrostatic method which temporarily renders the graft luminal surface positive, thus attracting the endothelial cells, without the use of """"""""glues"""""""" such as fibronectin, collagen, etc.

Proposed Commercial Applications

A major market exists for the development of a compliant small vessel prosthesis. Currently, there are no clinically acceptable synthetic small vessel prosthesis. If such a prosthesis could be developed , the synthetic vascular graft market could grow to $750 million annually in the U.S.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43HL063504-01
Application #
6014981
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-W (20))
Project Start
1999-09-15
Project End
2000-03-14
Budget Start
1999-09-15
Budget End
2000-03-14
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Cardiotech International, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Woburn
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01801