ISSN:
0021-9304
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Technology
Notes:
Evidence is presented for the view that intravascular thrombosis proceeds via an electrochemical mechanism. It is strongly substantiated by some recent work on electrical wire thrombosis. These experiments show that thrombosis occurs on noble metal electrodes at potentials more positive than 0.3 v (NHE) but tends not to occur on electrodes more negative than this interfacial potential. Further, the same factors which prevent intravascular thrombosis are shown to prevent thrombosis on electrodes maintained at all potentials up to + 1.0v. Thus occurrence or prevention of thrombosis appears related to electrical and electrochemical properties of both blood and blood vessel wall. Methods for the determination of these properties are described and experimental results briefly presented. The studies have proved useful in establishing criteria for the selection of metal and plastic vascular substitutes. A combination of several electrochemical and biophysical criteria have been discovered which aid in the selection of nonthrombogenic vascular substitutes. Unfortunately not all metals which satisfy anti-thrombotic electrochemical criteria are suitable. Many, including magnesium, have cellular and proteolytic destructive characteristics. Certain metals and electrically treated Teflon tubes do not suffer from this defect and have proven useful in preliminary testing.
Additional Material:
10 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbm.820010110
