Biocompatibility and Biodegradation Analysis for a Flow Diverter

Abstract

Fine-meshed flow diverters have become a promising and efficient endovascular treatment to cure aneurysm by controlling blood flow into the aneurysm. These fine-meshed flow diverters are made from micrometer scale metallic wire. However recent report shows that permanent placement of metallic wire is a source of late thrombosis, stentonis and other delayed vascular complications. A fine-meshed flow diverters based on a biomaterial that would reduce those risks by completely absorbed by the body. The objective of this research is to evaluate and study biological properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradation of two candidate polymers; polylactic acid (PLA, a thermopolymer), and a photopolymer. Flow diverters made from PLA and a photopolymer were tested with multiple cellular experiments for compatibility and evaluated the degradation rate. Human dermal fibroblasts cells were used to quantify cell performance such as proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion on the flow diverters. Results show that cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion are positive compared to a control in cell culture dish without flow diverters. For degradation study, both flow diverters were soaked in a phosphate buffer solution over 2,4, and 6 week periods. The degradation rate of photopolymer was found to be 1.8% for 2 weeks, 6% for 4 weeks, and 8% for 6 weeks. These results shows that the candidate material can be used for making fine-meshed flow diverters for aneurysm treatment.