Material Mimics Blood Vessel Lining to Prevent Thrombosis

By binding heparin to an artificial surface and promoting sustained anticoagulation, a coating process reportedly yields highly thromboresistant surfaces. The Carmeda BioActive Surface (CBAS) is the only commercially available material and technology able to achieve these results for a sustained period of time, according to Carmeda (San Antonio, TX).

A coating technology that prevents blood clotting is routinely used on ventricular assist devices and other critical medical equipment.

CBAS works by mimicking the endothelial lining of blood vessels with which invasive devices come into contact. The natural vessel wall carries molecules similar to heparin thatprevent blood from clotting in blood vessels. More than 200 scientific papers and clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the blood-compatible material, reports the firm.

"There are several thromboresistant technologies on the market," says director of business development Andrew Jacobson, "but what makes CBAS unique is its sustained activity. CBAS has been proven in research and clinical settings to retain substantial bioactivity for periods lasting several months, possibly longer," Jacobson stresses.

The process has been licensed to Johnson & Johnson, Gore, Medtronic, and other device firms for use in specific applications. CBAS is suited for use on coronary stents, heart bypass equipment, implantable sensors, vascular grafts, circulatory devices, venous catheters, and related medical devices.—Norbert Sparrow

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