Unique Artificial Blood Vessels Developed in Russia

Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have developed a new technology to create artificial blood vessels that will make treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) much more affordable. According to the researchers, the suggested method is more effective and of better quality than its analogues, and nearly twice as cheap.

The results of the study were published in the Applied Surface Science journal.

The clinical need for artificial vessels (vascular grafts) is in high demand today for the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis. If it is no longer possible to restore the functionality of the vessel medically or surgically, the affected area is removed and replaced with an artificial vessel made of polycaprolactone or another biocompatible material.

TPU scientists have for the first time suggested using the method of polycaprolactone processing in the plasma of magnetron discharges for the creation of artificial vessels.

Artificial blood vessels

According to the authors, it simultaneously provides two key characteristics of grafts: high-quality integration of the material with the patient’s tissue and high tightness.

Today, extremely complex processing and expensive preparations are used to improve the survival rate of implanted grafts. However, scientists say that as a result, the mechanical and functional characteristics of such vessels still leave much to be desired. The authors noted that TPU’s development is devoid of these shortcomings.

Artificial blood vessels

In the future, the research team, together with the specialists from the Cardiology Research Institute at the Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, intends to proceed to test the medical and biological properties of the developed grafts on living tissue.

Sourse: sputniknews.com