Oligofluorinated Vascular Graft Surfaces for Lower Thrombogenicity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synthetic vascular grafts face challenges in small vessel replacement due to issues such as thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia, and immunogenicity, with autologous and allografts having limitations like availability and degeneration, while synthetic grafts often fail due to inappropriate diameter and structural defects.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an oligofluorinated additive with base polymers like polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyurethane into the inner surface of vascular grafts to reduce thrombogenicity, using additives described by specific molecular structures to enhance biocompatibility and mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If synthetic grafts are used for small vessel replacement, then structural strength and durability are improved, but thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia occur due to poor biocompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidthrombogenicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating only the inner surface of the graft with oligofluorinated compounds while maintaining the bulk properties of the synthetic polymer. This localized modification reduces thrombogenicity at the blood-contacting surface without compromising the overall structural strength and durability of the graft material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the graft surface by incorporating oligofluorinated additives with specific molecular structures (containing CF3 and CF2 groups). This chemical parameter modification alters the surface properties to reduce thrombogenicity while maintaining the mechanical properties of the base polymer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If autologous veins are used for small vessel replacement, then biocompatibility and patency rates are improved, but availability is limited due to donor site complications

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidavailability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses oligofluorinated compounds as an intermediary substance that mediates between the synthetic graft material and the biological environment. This intermediary layer improves biocompatibility by reducing thrombogenicity and intimalhyperplasia, making synthetic grafts more suitable for small vessel replacement without requiring autologous tissue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If allografts or heterografts are used for vessel replacement, then availability is improved, but immunogenicity and degeneration occur over time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidlong-term durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material system combining a synthetic polymer base (such as polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyurethane) with oligofluorinated surface modifiers. This composite approach provides the availability of synthetic materials while the fluorinated surface layer improves long-term durability by reducing immunogenicity and preventing degeneration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3630212B1Vascular grafts having a modified surface
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 EVONIK CANADA INC
  • EP3630212B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3630212B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3630212B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Disclosed are vascular grafts having a surface modified to reduce the risk of thrombi formation post implantation into a subject. The vascular graft can include a tubular structure comprising a base polymer admixed with an oligofluorinated additive.