9600404 Richey This award supports a 12 month Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Fellowship for Dr. Tracy Richey at the Research Center of Biomedical Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Richey will work with Dr. Yoshito Ikada, Professor at the Research Center of Biomedical Engineering, on a research project entitled, "Prevention of Intimal Hyperplasia by Controlled Release of Cyclosporine." The proposed research will examine techniques to reduce intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts using a controlled release device containing cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant drug. A major chronic complication of vein grafts used for heart bypass surgery involves the continued thickening of the vessel wall, termed intimal hyperplasia, that decreases blood flow and can eventually lead to graft occlusion. The specific causes of intimal hyperplasia are poorly understood, but likely involve a combination of hemodynamic, growth and immunological factors. During the project, a controlled release device will administer the required amount of cyclosporine at the implant site, the intention being to reduce or check the harmful side effects of the aformentioned factors. As a further step, biodegradable films will be prepared from polyesters using a solvent casting technique, and the release rate and physical state of the incorporated drugs will be determined. Long term improvement of bypass graft techniques using a controlled release device would be immediately beneficial to patients and the health care industry alike, with the facilities at Kyoto University offering a unique combination of technology and equipment required for this project. ***
