For the performance of scanning electron microscopy, we thank Ernst Schweizer from the section of Medical Materials Science and Technology of the University Hospital Tuebingen. The research was supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the CR within National Sustainability Program II (Project BIOCEV-FAR LQ1604) and by Czech Science Foundation project No. 18-01163S.

The blood sampling procedure was approved by the Ethics Committee of the medical faculty at the University of Tuebingen (project identification code: 270/2010BO1). All subjects provided written, informed consent for inclusion before participation.
1. Preparation of Heparin-loaded Monovettes
<ol>
	<li>Mix the undiluted heparin (5,000 IU/mL) with sodium chloride (NaCl, 0.9%) solution and prepare a solution with a resulting concentration of 15 IU/mL of heparin.</li>
	<li>Add 900 &#181;L of the diluted heparin solution to each neutral monovette (9 mL) to obtain a final heparin concentration of 1.5 IU/mL after blood sampling. Prepare three monovettes per donor plus three reserve monovettes and store the heparin-loaded monovettes at 4 &#176;C until blood sampling.</li>
</ol>
2. Blood Sampling
<ol>
	<li>Take the heparin-loaded monovettes out of the refrigerator 30 min prior to blood sampling.</li>
	<li>Collect a 27 mL blood sample from each healthy donor (n = 5) by venipuncture for the flow loop. Only apply a smooth tourniquet to avoid premature activation of the platelets and the blood clotting cascade.</li>
	<li>Collect blood samples in three monovettes containing 900 &#181;L of the heparin solution (1.5 IU/mL) and pool all three monovettes in one plastic container to ensure that all components are evenly distributed.</li>
	<li>Directly transfer the pooled heparinized blood into three different monovettes containing either EDTA (1.2 mL), citrate (1.4 mL), or a mixture of citrate, theophylline, adenosine, and dipyridamole (CTAD, 2.7 mL) to collect baseline values. Proceed with the samples as described in sections 5&#8722;8. 
	NOTE: To guarantee uninfluenced clotting behavior, donors should avoid the intake of hemostasis-affecting drugs (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen, and carbenicillin) within the last 14 days, as well as oral contraceptives and smoking.</li>
</ol>
3. Preparation of the Flow Loop
<ol>
	<li>Cut three heparin-coated polyvinyl chloride tubes with a length of 75 cm and inner diameter of 3.2 mm. Load the tubes with the neurovascular laser-cut implants with or without the fibrin-heparin coating. Remember to leave one tub unloaded as a control.</li>
	<li>Place one end of the tube in a reservoir filled with 0.9% NaCl, connect the tubing to the pump head, and insert the other end into a measuring cylinder.</li>
	<li>Adjust the settings of the peristaltic pump to achieve a flow rate of 150 mL/min by using a timer while checking the fill level in the measuring cylinder.</li>
</ol>
4. Performance of Hemocompatibility Testing
<ol>
	<li>Use a 12 mL syringe to fill the tubes with blood. Let 6 mL of blood flow smoothly into each tube containing a sample or unloaded control.</li>
	<li>Form a circuit and close the tubes tightly using a 0.5 cm length of silicone connection tubing. Place the tubes in a water bath of 37 &#176;C and start the perfusion for 60 min.</li>
</ol>
5. Whole Blood Count Analysis
<ol>
	<li>Put 1.2 mL of blood after sampling (baseline) or after perfusion into a monovette containing EDTA and carefully invert the tube 5x.</li>
	<li>Insert the monovette into the blood analyzer and perform a blood count analysis for every sample. Then, incubate the monovettes on ice for 15&#8722;60 min after the blood count measurement for further analysis, as described in section 7.</li>
</ol>
6. Collection of Citrate Plasma
<ol>
	<li>Fill the monovettes containing citrate with 1.4 mL of blood (freshly drawn or after circulation) and carefully invert 5x.</li>
	<li>Centrifuge the tubes for 18 min at 1,800 x g at room temperature (RT). Aliquot three 250 &#181;L samples of the plasma fraction into 1.5 mL reaction tubes and freeze the plasma samples in liquid nitrogen. Store them at -20 &#176;C until analysis.</li>
</ol>
7. Collection of EDTA Plasma
<ol>
	<li>Incubate the monovettes on ice for 15&#8722;60 min after the blood count measurement. Then, centrifuge the tubes for 20 min at 2,500 x g and 4 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Aliquot three 250 &#181;L samples of the plasma fraction into 1.5 mL reaction tubes after centrifugation and freeze the tubes in liquid nitrogen. Store them at -80 &#176;C until analysis.</li>
</ol>
8. Collection of CTAD Plasma
<ol>
	<li>Fill the monovettes containing the CTAD mixture with 2.7 mL of blood (freshly drawn or after incubation) and carefully invert 5x. Afterwards, incubate the monovettes on ice for 15&#8722;60 min. Then, centrifuge the tubes for 20 min at 2,500 x g and 4 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Transfer 700 &#181;L of the middle plasma fraction into a 1.5 mL reaction tube and centrifuge the filled reaction tubes for 20 min at 2,500 x g and 4 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Aliquot two 100 &#181;L samples of the middle fraction into 1.5 mL reaction tubes after centrifugation and freeze the tubes in liquid nitrogen. Store them at -20 &#176;C until analysis. 
	NOTE: The collection of EDTA plasma and CTAD plasma can be performed together because the operating conditions are the same.</li>
</ol>
9. Measurement of Human TAT from Citrate Plasma
<ol>
	<li>Thaw the citrate plasma in a water bath of 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Use the TAT enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit according to the manufacturer&#39;s instructions. Reconstruct the plasma standards and control and dilute the washing solution, anti-human-TAT peroxidase (POD)-conjugated antibody, and chromogen solution. Leave all reagents and the microtiter plate at RT (15&#8722;25 &#176;C) for 30 min before starting the test.</li>
	<li>Pipet 50 &#181;L of the sample buffer into each well of the microtiter plate and add 50 &#181;L of the sample buffer (blank), plasma standard, plasma control, and undiluted plasma sample in duplicates to the well plate. Seal the plate and incubate at 37 &#176;C for 15 min with gentle shaking. Then, wash the plate 3x with 300 &#956;L of washing solution.</li>
	<li>Add 100 &#181;L of the POD-conjugated anti-human-TAT antibody to each well. Seal the plate and incubate at 37 &#176;C for 15 min with gentle shaking. Then, wash the plate 3x with 300 &#956;L of washing solution.</li>
	<li>Add 100 &#181;L of the freshly prepared chromogen solution to each well. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 30 min.</li>
	<li>Remove the seal film and add 100 &#181;L of stop solution to each well. Read the optical density (OD) with a photometer at 490&#8722;500 nm. Fit the standard curve data as a trend line and calculate the concentration of the samples.</li>
</ol>
10. Measurement of PMN-elastase from Citrate Plasma
<ol>
	<li>Thaw the citrate plasma in a water bath at 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Use the polymorphonuclear (PMN)-elastase ELISA kit according the to manufacturer&#39;s instructions: reconstruct the PMN-elastase control and the PMN-elastase standard to prepare a standard curve using the kit&#39;s dilution buffer.</li>
	<li>Dilute the washing solution according to the manufacturer&#39;s description. Leave all reagents and the microtiter plate at RT for 30 min before starting the test. Dilute the citrate plasma samples to 1:100 with the dilution buffer.</li>
	<li>Add 100 &#181;L of the sample buffer (blank), PMN-elastase standard curve (15.6&#8722;1,000 ng/ mL), PMN-elastase controls (high and low concentrations), and diluted plasma samples in duplicates to the well plate. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 60 min with gentle shaking. Afterwards, wash the plate 4x with 300 &#956;L of washing solution.</li>
	<li>Add 150 &#181;L of the enzyme-conjugated antibody to each well. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 60 min with gentle shaking. Afterwards, wash the plate 4x with 300 &#956;L of washing solution.</li>
	<li>Add 200 &#181;L of the 3,3&#39;,5,5&#39;-tetramethylbenzidin (TMB)-substrate solution to each well. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 20 min in the dark. Then, remove the seal film and add 50 &#181;L of the stop solution to each well.</li>
	<li>Read the OD with a photometer at 450 nm with a reference reading at 630 nm. Fit the standard curve data as a trend line and calculate the concentration of the samples.</li>
</ol>
11. Measurement of Terminal Complement Complex (TCC) from EDTA Plasma
<ol>
	<li>Thaw the EDTA plasma in a water bath at 37 &#176;C, and store on ice after defrosting.</li>
	<li>Use the complement cascade SC5b-9 ELISA kit according to the manufacturer&#39;s instructions: dilute the washing solution as described in the manufacturer&#39;s protocol. Leave all reagents and the microtiter plate at RT for 30 min before starting the test. Dilute the EDTA plasma samples to 1:10 with the kit&#39;s dilution buffer.</li>
	<li>Add 300 &#181;L of washing solution to each well to rehydrate the surface and aspirate after 2 min. Add 100 &#181;L of the sample buffer (blank), SC5b-9 standards, SC5b-9 controls (high and low concentrations), and the diluted plasma samples in duplicates to the well plate.</li>
	<li>Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 60 min. Next, wash the plate 5x with 300 &#956;L of washing solution.</li>
	<li>Add 50 &#181;L of the enzyme-conjugated antibody to each well. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 30 min. Then, wash the plate 5x with 300 &#956;L of washing solution.</li>
	<li>Add 100 &#181;L of the TMB-substrate solution to each well. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 15 min in the dark.</li>
	<li>Remove the seal film and add 100 &#181;L of the stop solution to each well. Read the OD with a photometer at 450 nm. Fit the standard curve data as a trend line and calculate the concentration of the samples.</li>
</ol>
12. Measurement of &#946;-thromboglobulin from CTAD Plasma
<ol>
	<li>Thaw the CTAD plasma in a water bath at 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Use the &#946;-thromboglobulin (&#946;-TG) ELISA kit according to the manufacturer&#39;s instructions: reconstruct the &#946;-TG control and the &#946;-TG standard and dilute the washing solution using distilled H2O. Reconstruct the POD-conjugated antibody using the provided phosphate buffer. Leave all reagents and the microtiter plate at RT for 30 min before starting the test.</li>
	<li>Prepare the standard curve and the control according to the manufacturer&#39;s instructions with the provided phosphate buffer. Dilute the CTAD plasma samples to 1:21.</li>
	<li>Add 200 &#181;L of the phosphate buffer (blank), &#946;-TG standards, &#946;-TG controls (high and low concentrations), and diluted plasma samples in duplicates to the well plate. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 60 min. Afterwards, wash the plate 5x with 300 &#956;L of washing solution.</li>
	<li>Add 200 &#181;L of the enzyme-conjugated antibody to each well. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 60 min. Afterwards, wash the plate 5x with 300 &#956;L of washing solution.</li>
	<li>Add 200 &#181;L of the TMB-substrate solution to each well. Seal the plate and incubate at RT for 5 min in the dark. Remove the seal film and stop the reaction by adding 50 &#181;L of 1 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to each well.</li>
	<li>Leave the plate for 15&#8722;60 min, then read the OD with a photometer at 450 nm. Fit the standard curve data as a trend line and calculate the concentration of the samples.</li>
</ol>
13. Sample Preparation for Scanning Electron Microscopy
<ol>
	<li>Remove the implant from the tube using forceps and rinse the implant briefly by dipping it into 0.9% NaCl solution 3x.</li>
	<li>Store in glutaraldehyde solution (2% glutaraldehyde in phosphate-buffered saline [PBS-buffer without Ca2+/Mg2+]) overnight at 4 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Next, incubate the implants in PBS-buffer for 10 min. Dehydrate the samples by incubating in ethanol with increasing concentration for 10 min each: 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 96%, and 100%. Store the dehydrated samples in 100% ethanol until further analysis.</li>
	<li>Perform critical point drying according to the instructions of the drying device or literature10 just before scanning electron microscopy (SEM).</li>
</ol>
14. Scanning Electron Microscopy
<ol>
	<li>Attach the dried implants to a sample carrier for the scanning microscope and sputter the samples with gold palladium.</li>
	<li>Introduce the sputtered implants into the sample chamber. Take pictures in 100-, 500-, 1,000- and 2,500-fold magnification of the areas with the representative surface and cell adhesion.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>ISO. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Biological evaluation of medical devices. , (2002).</li><li>Weber, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Blood-Contacting+Biomaterials:+In+Vitro+Evaluation+of+the+Hemocompatibility.">Blood-Contacting Biomaterials: In Vitro Evaluation of the Hemocompatibility.</a> Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. 6, 99 (2018).</li><li>Li, Y., Boraschi, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endotoxin+contamination:+a+key+element+in+the+interpretation+of+nanosafety+studies.">Endotoxin contamination: a key element in the interpretation of nanosafety studies.</a> Nanomedicine (Lond). 11 (3), 269-287 (2016).</li><li>Cattaneo, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+investigation+of+chemical+properties+and+biocompatibility+of+neurovascular+braided+implants.">In vitro investigation of chemical properties and biocompatibility of neurovascular braided implants.</a> Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine. 30 (6), 67 (2019).</li><li>Stang, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hemocompatibility+testing+according+to+ISO+10993-4:+discrimination+between+pyrogen-+and+device-induced+hemostatic+activation.">Hemocompatibility testing according to ISO 10993-4: discrimination between pyrogen- and device-induced hemostatic activation.</a> Materials Science and Engineering: C Materials for Biological Applications. 42, 422-428 (2014).</li><li>van Oeveren, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Obstacles+in+haemocompatibility+testing.">Obstacles in haemocompatibility testing.</a> Scientifica (Cairo). , 392584 (2013).</li><li>Engels, G. E., Blok, S. L., van Oeveren, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+blood+flow+model+with+physiological+wall+shear+stress+for+hemocompatibility+testing-An+example+of+coronary+stent+testing.">In vitro blood flow model with physiological wall shear stress for hemocompatibility testing-An example of coronary stent testing.</a> Biointerphases. 11 (3), 031004 (2016).</li><li>Blok, S. L., Engels, G. E., van Oeveren, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+hemocompatibility+testing:+The+importance+of+fresh+blood.">In vitro hemocompatibility testing: The importance of fresh blood.</a> Biointerphases. 11 (2), 029802 (2016).</li><li>Kaplan, O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Low-thrombogenic+fibrin-heparin+coating+promotes+in+vitro+endothelialization.">Low-thrombogenic fibrin-heparin coating promotes in vitro endothelialization.</a> Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. 105 (11), 2995-3005 (2017).</li><li>. SEM Imaging of Biological Samples Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jove.com/science-education/10492/sem-imaging-of-biological-samples">https://www.jove.com/science-education/10492/sem-imaging-of-biological-samples</a> (2019)</li><li>Mohan, C. C., Chennazhi, K. P., Menon, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+hemocompatibility+and+vascular+endothelial+cell+functionality+on+titania+nanostructures+under+static+and+dynamic+conditions+for+improved+coronary+stenting+applications.">In vitro hemocompatibility and vascular endothelial cell functionality on titania nanostructures under static and dynamic conditions for improved coronary stenting applications.</a> Acta Biomaterialia. 9 (12), 9568-9577 (2013).</li><li>Streller, U., Sperling, C., Hubner, J., Hanke, R., Werner, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Design+and+evaluation+of+novel+blood+incubation+systems+for+in+vitro+hemocompatibility+assessment+of+planar+solid+surfaces.">Design and evaluation of novel blood incubation systems for in vitro hemocompatibility assessment of planar solid surfaces.</a> The Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials. 66 (1), 379-390 (2003).</li><li>Sanak, M., Jakie&#322;a, B., W&#281;grzyn, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+hemocompatibility+of+materials+with+arterial+blood+flow+by+platelet+functional+tests.">Assessment of hemocompatibility of materials with arterial blood flow by platelet functional tests.</a> Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences: Technical Sciences. 58 (2), 317-322 (2010).</li><li>Krajewski, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hemocompatibility+evaluation+of+different+silver+nanoparticle+concentrations+employing+a+modified+Chandler-loop+in+vitro+assay+on+human+blood.">Hemocompatibility evaluation of different silver nanoparticle concentrations employing a modified Chandler-loop in vitro assay on human blood.</a> Acta Biomaterialia. 9 (7), 7460-7468 (2013).</li><li>Podias, A., Groth, T., Missirlis, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effect+of+shear+rate+on+the+adhesion/activation+of+human+platelets+in+flow+through+a+closed-loop+polymeric+tubular+system.">The effect of shear rate on the adhesion/activation of human platelets in flow through a closed-loop polymeric tubular system.</a> Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. 6 (5), 399-410 (1994).</li><li>Van Kruchten, R., Cosemans, J. M., Heemskerk, J. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measurement+of+whole+blood+thrombus+formation+using+parallel-plate+flow+chambers-a+practical+guide.">Measurement of whole blood thrombus formation using parallel-plate flow chambers-a practical guide.</a> Platelets. 23 (3), 229-242 (2012).</li><li>M&#252;ller, M., Krolitzki, B., Glasmacher, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamic+in+vitro+hemocompatibility+testing-improving+the+signal+to+noise+ratio.">Dynamic in vitro hemocompatibility testing-improving the signal to noise ratio.</a> Biomedical Engineering/Biomedizinische Technik. 57, 549-552 (2012).</li><li>Ritz-Timme, S., Eckelt, N., Schmidtke, E., Thomsen, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genesis+and+diagnostic+value+of+leukocyte+and+platelet+accumulations+around+"air+bubbles"+in+blood+after+venous+air+embolism.">Genesis and diagnostic value of leukocyte and platelet accumulations around "air bubbles" in blood after venous air embolism.</a> International Journal of Legal Medicine. 111 (1), 22-26 (1998).</li><li>Miller, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterisation+of+the+initial+period+of+protein+adsorption+by+dynamic+surface+tension+measurements+using+different+drop+techniques.">Characterisation of the initial period of protein adsorption by dynamic surface tension measurements using different drop techniques.</a> Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 131 (1), 225-230 (1998).</li><li>van Oeveren, W., Tielliu, I. F., de Hart, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+modified+chandler,+roller+pump,+and+ball+valve+circulation+models+for+in+vitro+testing+in+high+blood+flow+conditions:+application+in+thrombogenicity+testing+of+different+materials+for+vascular+applications.">Comparison of modified chandler, roller pump, and ball valve circulation models for in vitro testing in high blood flow conditions: application in thrombogenicity testing of different materials for vascular applications.</a> International Journal of Biomaterials. , 673163 (2012).</li><li>Krajewski, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Preclinical+evaluation+of+the+thrombogenicity+and+endothelialization+of+bare+metal+and+surface-coated+neurovascular+stents.">Preclinical evaluation of the thrombogenicity and endothelialization of bare metal and surface-coated neurovascular stents.</a> AJNR American Journal of Neuroradiology. 36 (1), 133-139 (2015).</li><li>Monnink, S. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Silicon-carbide+coated+coronary+stents+have+low+platelet+and+leukocyte+adhesion+during+platelet+activation.">Silicon-carbide coated coronary stents have low platelet and leukocyte adhesion during platelet activation.</a> Journal of Investigative Medicine. 47 (6), 304-310 (1999).</li><li>Amoroso, G., van Boven, A. J., Volkers, C., Crijns, H. J., van Oeveren, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multilink+stent+promotes+less+platelet+and+leukocyte+adhesion+than+a+traditional+stainless+steel+stent:+an+in+vitro+experimental+study.">Multilink stent promotes less platelet and leukocyte adhesion than a traditional stainless steel stent: an in vitro experimental study.</a> Journal of Investigative Medicine. 49 (3), 265-272 (2001).</li><li>Mulvihill, J., Crost, T., Renaux, J. L., Cazenave, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+haemodialysis+membrane+biocompatibility+by+parallel+assessment+in+an+ex+vivo+model+in+healthy+volunteers.">Evaluation of haemodialysis membrane biocompatibility by parallel assessment in an ex vivo model in healthy volunteers.</a> Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 12 (9), 1968-1973 (1997).</li><li>Nordling, S., Nilsson, B., Magnusson, P. U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+in+vitro+model+for+studying+the+interactions+between+human+whole+blood+and+endothelium.">A novel in vitro model for studying the interactions between human whole blood and endothelium.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (93), e52112 (2014).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The presented protocol describes a comprehensive and reliable method for the hemocompatibility testing of blood-contacting implants in accordance with ISO 10993-4 in a shear flow model imitating human blood flow. This study is based on the testing of laser-cut neurovascular implants but can be performed with a variety of samples. The results demonstrate that this method enables the broad analysis of various parameters such as the blood cell count, prevalence of several hemocompatibility markers, and microscopic visualiza...

The in vivo application of implants and biomaterials, which interact with human blood, requires intense preclinical testing focusing on the investigation of various markers of the hemostatic system. The International Organization for Standardization 10993-4 (ISO 10993-4) specifies the central principles for the evaluation of blood-contacting devices (i.e., stents and vascular grafts) and considers the device design, clinical utility, and materials needed1.
Human blood is a fluid that contains various plasma proteins and cells, including leukocytes (white blood cells [WBCs]), erythrocytes (red blood cells [RBCs]), and platelets, which carry out complex functions in the human body2. The direct contact of foreign materials with blood can cause adverse effects, such as activation of the immune or coagulation system, which can lead to inflammation or thrombotic complications and serious issues after implantation3,4,5. Therefore, in vitro hemocompatibility validation offers an opportunity prior to implantation to detect and exclude any hematologic complications that may be induced upon contact of the blood with a foreign surface6.
The presented flow loop model was established to assess the hemocompatibility of neurovascular stents and similar devices by applying a flow rate of 150 mL/min in tubing (diameter of 3.2 mm) to mimic cerebral flow conditions and artery diameters2,7. Besides the need for an optimal in vitro model, the source of blood is an important factor in gaining reliable and unaltered results when analyzing hemocompatibility of a biomaterial8. The collected blood should be used immediately after sampling to prevent changes caused by prolonged storage. In general, a gentle collection of blood without stasis using a 21 G needle should be performed to minimize the preactivation of platelets and the coagulation cascade during blood drawing. Furthermore, donor exclusion criteria include those who smoke, are pregnant, are in a poor state of health, or have taken oral contraceptives or painkillers during the previous 14 days.
This study describes an in vitro model for the extensive hemocompatibility testing of stent implants under flow conditions. When comparing uncoated to fibrin-heparin-coated stents, results of the comprehensive hemocompatibility tests reflect improved hemocompatibility of the fibrin-heparin-coated stents9. In contrast, the uncoated stents induce activation of the coagulation cascade, as demonstrated by an increase in thombin-antithrombin III (TAT) concentrations and loss of blood platelet numbers due to the adhesion of platelets to stent surface. Overall, integrating this hemocompatibility model as a preclinical test is recommended to detect any adverse effects on the hemostatic system that are caused by the device.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>aqua ad iniectabilia</td>
			<td>Fresenius-Kabi, Bad-Homburg, Germany</td>
			<td>1088813</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>beta-TG ELISA</td>
			<td>Diagnostica Stago, Duesseldorf, Germany</td>
			<td>00950</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Centrifuge Rotana 460 R</td>
			<td>Andreas Hettich, Tuttlingen, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Citrat monovettes (1.4 mL)</td>
			<td>Sarstedt, N&#252;mbrecht, Germany</td>
			<td>6,16,68,001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CTAD monovettes (2.7 mL)</td>
			<td>BD Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany</td>
			<td>367562</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EDTA monovettes (1.2 mL)</td>
			<td>Sarstedt, N&#252;mbrecht, Germany</td>
			<td>6,16,62,001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol p.A. (1000 mL)</td>
			<td>AppliChem, Darmstadt, Germany</td>
			<td>1,31,08,61,611</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glutaraldehyde (25 % in water)</td>
			<td>SERVA Electrophoresis, Heidelberg, Germany</td>
			<td>23114.01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin coating for tubes</td>
			<td>Ension, Pittsburgh, USA</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin-Natrium (25.000 IE/ 5 mL)</td>
			<td>LEO Pharma, Neu-Isenburg, Germany</td>
			<td>PZN 15261203</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Multiplate Reader Mithras LB 940</td>
			<td>Berthold, Bad Wildbad, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl 0,9%</td>
			<td>Fresenius-Kabi, Bad-Homburg, Germany</td>
			<td>1312813</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Neutral monovettes (9 mL)</td>
			<td>Sarstedt, N&#252;mbrecht, Germany</td>
			<td>2,10,63,001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PBS buffer (w/o Ca2+/Mg2+)</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Darmstadt, Germany</td>
			<td>70011044</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Peristaltic pump ISM444B</td>
			<td>Cole Parmer, Wertheim, Germany</td>
			<td>3475</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pipette (100 &#181;L)</td>
			<td>Eppendorf, Wesseling-Berzdorf, Germany</td>
			<td>3124000075</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pipette (1000 &#181;L)</td>
			<td>Eppendorf, Wesseling-Berzdorf, Germany</td>
			<td>3123000063</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic container (100 mL)</td>
			<td>Sarstedt, N&#252;mbrecht, Germany</td>
			<td>7,55,62,300</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PMN-Elastase ELISA</td>
			<td>Demeditec Diagnostics, Kiel Germany</td>
			<td>DEH3311</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polyvinyl chloride tube</td>
			<td>Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Inc., Courbevoie France</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reaction Tubes (1.5 mL)</td>
			<td>Eppendorf, Wesseling-Berzdorf, Germany</td>
			<td>30123328</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>neurovascular laser-cut implants</td>
			<td>Acandis GmbH, Pforzheim</td>
			<td>01-0011x</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SC5b-9 ELISA</td>
			<td>TECOmedical, Buende, Germany</td>
			<td>A029</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scanning electron microscope</td>
			<td>Cambridge Instruments, Cambridge, UK</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sealing tape (96 well plate)</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Darmstadt, Germany</td>
			<td>15036</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe 10/12 mL Norm-Ject</td>
			<td>Henke-Sass-Wolf, Tuttlingen, Germany</td>
			<td>10080010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TAT micro kit</td>
			<td>Siemens Healthcare, Marburg, Germany</td>
			<td>OWMG15</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Waterbath Type 1083</td>
			<td>Gesellschaft f&#252;r Labortechnik, Burgwedel, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

hemocompatibility testing of blood-contacting implants in a flow loop model mimicking human blood flow

The growing use of medical devices (e.g., vascular grafts, stents, and cardiac catheters) for temporary or permanent purposes that remain in the body&#39;s circulatory system demands a reliable and multiparametric approach that evaluates the possible hematologic complications caused by these devices (i.e., activation and destruction of blood components). Comprehensive in vitro hemocompatibility testing of blood-contacting implants is the first step towards successful in vivo implementation. Therefore, extensive analysis according to the International Organization for Standardization 10993-4 (ISO 10993-4) is mandatory prior to clinical application. The presented flow loop describes a sensitive model to analyze the hemostatic performance of stents (in this case, neurovascular) and reveal adverse effects. The use of fresh human whole blood and gentle blood sampling are essential to avoid the preactivation of blood. The blood is perfused through a heparinized tubing containing the test specimen by using a peristaltic pump at a rate of 150 mL/min at 37 &#176;C for 60 min. Before and after perfusion, hematologic markers (i.e., blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and plasmatic markers) indicating the activation of leukocytes (polymorphonuclear [PMN]-elastase), platelets (&#946;-thromboglobulin [&#946;-TG]), the coagulation system (thombin-antithrombin III [TAT]), and the complement cascade (SC5b-9) are analyzed. In conclusion, we present an essential and reliable model for extensive hemocompatibility testing of stents and other blood-contacting devices prior to clinical application.

Briefly summarized, human whole blood was collected in heparin-loaded monovettes then pooled and used to evaluate the baseline levels of cell counts as well as plasmatic hemocompatibility markers.
Subsequently, the tubing containing the neurovascular implant samples was filled, and the blood was perfused for 60 min at 150 mL/min and 37 &#176;C using a peristaltic pump. Again, the number of cells was analyzed in all groups, and the plasma samples were prepared for ELISA analyses (<strong class=...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Hemocompatibility Testing of Blood-Contacting Implants in a Flow Loop Model Mimicking Human Blood Flow at JoVE.com

Hemocompatibility Testing of Blood-Contacting Implants in a Flow Loop Model Mimicking Human Blood Flow

This protocol describes a comprehensive hemocompatibility evaluation of blood-contacting devices using laser-cut neurovascular implants. A flow loop model with fresh, heparinized human blood is applied to mimic blood flow. After perfusion, various hematologic markers are analyzed and compared to the values gained directly after blood collection for hemocompatibility evaluation of the tested devices.

The growing use of medical devices (e.g., vascular grafts, stents, and cardiac catheters) for temporary or permanent purposes that remain in the ...

hemocompatibility-testing-blood-contacting-implants-flow-loop-model

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

8.8K Views.  University Hospital Tuebingen. This protocol describes a comprehensive hemocompatibility evaluation of blood-contacting devices using laser-cut neurovascular implants. A flow loop model with fresh, heparinized human blood is applied to mimic blood flow. After perfusion, various hematologic markers are analyzed and compared to the values gained directly after blood collection for hemocompatibility evaluation of the tested devices.

Video: Hemocompatibility Testing of Blood-Contacting Implants in a Flow Loop Model Mimicking Human Blood Flow

Visualization and Analysis of Blood Flow and Oxygen Consumption in Hepatic Microcirculation: Application to an Acute Hepatitis Model

There is a considerable discrepancy between oxygen supply and demand in the liver because hepatic oxygen consumption is relatively high but about 70% of the hepatic blood supply is poorly oxygenated portal vein blood derived from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen. Oxygen is delivered to hepatocytes by blood flowing from a terminal branch of the portal vein to a central venule via sinusoids, and this makes an oxygen gradient in hepatic lobules. The oxygen gradient is an important physical parameter that involves the expression of enzymes upstream and downstream in hepatic microcirculation, but the lack of techniques for measuring oxygen consumption in the hepatic microcirculation has delayed the elucidation of mechanisms relating to oxygen metabolism in liver. We therefore used FITC-labeled erythrocytes to visualize the hepatic microcirculation and used laser-assisted phosphorimetry to measure the partial pressure of oxygen in the microvessels there. Noncontact and continuous optical measurement can quantify blood flow velocities, vessel diameters, and oxygen gradients related to oxygen consumption in the liver. In an acute hepatitis model we made by administering acetaminophen to mice we observed increased oxygen pressure in both portal and central venules but a decreased oxygen gradient in the sinusoids, indicating that hepatocyte necrosis in the pericentral zone could shift the oxygen pressure up and affect enzyme expression in the periportal zone. In conclusion, our optical methods for measuring hepatic hemodynamics and oxygen consumption can reveal mechanisms related to hepatic disease.

An optical system was developed to visualize hepatic microcirculation with FITC-labeled erythrocytes and to measure the partial pressure of oxygen in the microvessels with laser-assisted phosphorimetry. This method can be used to investigate physiological and pathological mechanisms by analyzing microvascular structure, diameter, blood flow velocity, and oxygen tension.

There is a considerable discrepancy between oxygen supply and demand in the liver because hepatic oxygen consumption is relatively high but about 70% of ...

High-throughput Flow Cytometry Cell-based Assay to Detect Antibodies to N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor or Dopamine-2 Receptor in Human Serum

Over the recent years, antibodies against surface and conformational proteins involved in neurotransmission have been detected in autoimmune CNS diseases in children and adults. These antibodies have been used to guide diagnosis and treatment. Cell-based assays have improved the detection of antibodies in patient serum. They are based on the surface expression of brain antigens on eukaryotic cells, which are then incubated with diluted patient sera followed by fluorochrome-conjugated secondary antibodies. After washing, secondary antibody binding is then analyzed by flow cytometry. Our group has developed a high-throughput flow cytometry live cell-based assay to reliably detect antibodies against specific neurotransmitter receptors. This flow cytometry method is straight forward, quantitative, efficient, and the use of a high-throughput sampler system allows for large patient cohorts to be easily assayed in a short space of time. Additionally, this cell-based assay can be easily adapted to detect antibodies to many different antigenic targets, both from the central nervous system and periphery. Discovering additional novel antibody biomarkers will enable prompt and accurate diagnosis and improve treatment of immune-mediated disorders.

Over the recent years, live cell-based assays have been used successfully to detect antibodies against surface and conformational antigens. Here, we describe a method using high-throughput flow cytometry enabling the analysis of large cohorts of patients. Detection of novel antibodies will improve diagnosis and treatment of immune-mediated disorders.

Over the recent years, antibodies against surface and conformational proteins involved in neurotransmission have been detected in autoimmune CNS diseases ...

Intravital Video Microscopy Measurements of Retinal Blood Flow in Mice

Alterations in retinal blood flow can contribute to, or be a consequence of, ocular disease and visual dysfunction. Therefore, quantitation of altered perfusion can aid research into the mechanisms of retinal pathologies. Intravital video microscopy of fluorescent tracers can be used to measure vascular diameters and bloodstream velocities of the retinal vasculature, specifically the arterioles branching from the central retinal artery and of the venules leading into the central retinal vein. Blood flow rates can be calculated from the diameters and velocities, with the summation of arteriolar flow, and separately venular flow, providing values of total retinal blood flow. This paper and associated video describe the methods for applying this technique to mice, which includes 1) the preparation of the eye for intravital microscopy of the anesthetized animal, 2) the intravenous infusion of fluorescent microspheres to measure bloodstream velocity, 3) the intravenous infusion of a high molecular weight fluorescent dextran, to aid the microscopic visualization of the retinal microvasculature, 4) the use of a digital microscope camera to obtain videos of the perfused retina, and 5) the use of image processing software to analyze the video. The same techniques can be used for measuring retinal blood flow rates in rats.

Intravital microscopy can be used in animals to visualize and measure retinal vascular diameters, bloodstream velocities, and total retinal blood flow.

Alterations in retinal blood flow can contribute to, or be a consequence of, ocular disease and visual dysfunction. Therefore, quantitation of altered ...

Automated Measurement of Microcirculatory Blood Flow Velocity in Pulmonary Metastases of Rats

Because the lung is a major target organ of metastatic disease, animal models to study the physiology of pulmonary metastases are of great importance. However, very few methods exist to date to investigate lung metastases in a dynamic fashion at the microcirculatory level, due to the difficulty to access the lung with a microscope. Here, an intravital microscopy method is presented to functionally image and quantify the microcirculation of superficial pulmonary metastases in rats, using a closed-chest pulmonary window and automated analysis of blood flow velocity and direction. The utility of this method is demonstrated to measure increases in blood flow velocity in response to pharmacological intervention, and to image the well-known tortuous vasculature of solid tumors. This is the first demonstration of intravital microscopy on pulmonary metastases in a closed-chest model. Because of its minimized invasiveness, as well as due to its relative ease and practicality, this technology has the potential to experience widespread use in laboratories that specialize on pulmonary tumor research.

A method is presented to measure microcirculatory blood flow velocity in pulmonary cancer metastases of the pleural surface in rats in an automated fashion, using closed-chest pulmonary intravital microscopy. This model has potential to be used as a widespread tool to perform physiologic research on pulmonary metastases in rodents.

Because the lung is a major target organ of metastatic disease, animal models to study the physiology of pulmonary metastases are of great importance. ...

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples

Despite the public health importance of mucosal pathogens (including HIV), relatively little is known about mucosal immunity, particularly at the female genital tract (FGT). Because heterosexual transmission now represents the dominant mechanism of HIV transmission, and given the continual spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is critical to understand the interplay between host and pathogen at the genital mucosa. The substantial gaps in knowledge around FGT immunity are partially due to the difficulty in successfully collecting and processing mucosal samples. In order to facilitate studies with sufficient sample size, collection techniques must be minimally invasive and efficient. To this end, a protocol for the collection of cervical cytobrush samples and subsequent isolation of cervical mononuclear cells (CMC) has been optimized. Using ex vivo flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping, it is possible to accurately and reliably quantify CMC lymphocyte/monocyte population frequencies and phenotypes. This technique can be coupled with the collection of cervical-vaginal lavage (CVL), which contains soluble immune mediators including cytokines, chemokines and anti-proteases, all of which can be used to determine the anti- or pro-inflammatory environment in the vagina.

The use of cytobrush sampling to collect lymphocytes and monocytes from the endocervix is a minimally invasive technique that provides samples for analysis of female genital tract immunity. In this protocol, we describe the collection of cytobrush samples and immune cell isolation for flow cytometry assays.

Despite the public health importance of mucosal pathogens (including HIV), relatively little is known about mucosal immunity, particularly at the female ...

Ultrasound Based Assessment of Coronary Artery Flow and Coronary Flow Reserve Using the Pressure Overload Model in Mice

Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) is a clinically useful, noninvasive tool for studying coronary artery flow velocity and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in humans. Reduced CFR is accompanied by marked intramyocardial and pericoronary fibrosis and is used as an indication of the severity of dysfunction. This study explores, step-by-step, the real-time changes measured in the coronary flow velocity, CFR and systolic to diastolic peak velocity (S/D) ratio in the setting of an aortic banding model in mice. By using a Doppler transthoracic imaging technique that yields reproducible and reliable data, the method assesses changes in flow in the septal coronary artery (SCA), for a period of over two weeks in mice, that previously either underwent aortic banding or thoracotomy. 
During imaging, hyperemia in all mice was induced by isoflurane, an anesthetic that increased coronary flow velocity when compared with resting flow. All images were acquired by a single imager. Two ratios, (1) CFR, the ratio between hyperemic and baseline flow velocities, and (2) systolic (S) to diastolic (D) flow were determined, using a proprietary software and by two independent observers. Importantly, the observed changes in coronary flow preceded LV dysfunction as evidenced by normal LV mass and fractional shortening (FS). 
The method was benchmarked against the current gold standard of coronary assessment, histopathology. The latter technique showed clear pathologic changes in the coronary artery in the form of peri-coronary fibrosis that correlated to the flow changes as assessed by echocardiography. 
The study underscores the value of using a non-invasive technique to monitor coronary circulation in mouse hearts. The method minimizes redundant use of research animals and demonstrates that advanced ultrasound-based indices, such as CFR and S/D ratios, can serve as viable diagnostic tools in a variety of investigational protocols including drug studies and the study of genetically modified strains.

Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is useful for assessment of myocardial oxygen demand and evaluation of cardiovascular risk. This study establishes a step-by-step transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic (TTDE) method for longitudinal monitoring of the changes in CFR, as measured from coronary artery in mice, under the experimental pressure overload of aortic banding.

Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) is a clinically useful, noninvasive tool for studying coronary artery flow velocity and coronary flow ...

Simultaneous Flow Cytometric Characterization of Multiple Cell Types Retrieved from Mouse Brain/Spinal Cord Through Different Homogenization Methods

Recent advances in viral vector and nanomaterial sciences have opened the way for new cutting-edge approaches to investigate or manipulate the central nervous system (CNS). However, further optimization of these technologies would benefit from methods allowing rapid and streamline determination of the extent of CNS and cell-specific targeting upon administration of viral vectors or nanoparticles in the body. Here, we present a protocol that takes advantage of the high throughput and multiplexing capabilities of flow cytometry to allow a straightforward quantification of different cell subtypes isolated from mouse brain or spinal cord, namely microglia/macrophages, lymphocytes, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons and endothelial cells. We apply this approach to highlight critical differences between two tissue homogenization methods in terms of cell yield, viability and composition. This could instruct the user to choose the best method depending on the cell type(s) of interest and the specific application. This method is not suited for analysis of anatomical distribution, since the tissue is homogenized to generate a single-cell suspension. However, it allows to work with viable cells and it can be combined with cell-sorting, opening the way for several applications that could expand the repertoire of tools in the hands of the neuroscientist, ranging from establishment of primary cultures derived from pure cell populations, to gene-expression analyses and biochemical or functional assays on well-defined cell subtypes in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, upon pharmacological treatment or gene therapy.

We present a flow cytometry method to identify simultaneously different cell types retrieved from mouse brain or spinal cord. This method could be exploited to isolate or characterize pure cell populations in neurodegenerative diseases or to quantify the extent of cell targeting upon in vivo administration of viral vectors or nanoparticles.

Recent advances in viral vector and nanomaterial sciences have opened the way for new cutting-edge approaches to investigate or manipulate the central ...

Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in the Rat Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry

When investigating the body&#39;s mechanisms for regulating cerebral blood flow, a relative measurement of microcirculatory blood flow can be obtained using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). This paper demonstrates a closed skull preparation that allows cerebral blood flow to be assessed without penetrating the skull or installing a chamber or cerebral window. To evaluate autoregulatory mechanisms, a model of controlled blood pressure reduction via graded hemorrhage can be utilized while simultaneously employing LDF. This enables the real time tracking of the relative changes in the blood flow in response to reductions in arterial blood pressure produced by the withdrawal of circulating blood volume. This paradigm is a valuable approach to study cerebral blood flow autoregulation during reductions in arterial blood pressure and, with minor modifications in the protocol, is also valuable as an experimental model of hemorrhagic shock. In addition to evaluating autoregulatory responses, LDF can be used to monitor the cortical blood flow when investigating metabolic, myogenic, endothelial, humoral, or neural mechanisms that regulate cerebral blood flow and the impact of various experimental interventions and pathological conditions on cerebral blood flow.

This article demonstrates the use of laser Doppler flowmetry to evaluate the ability of the cerebral circulation to autoregulate its blood flow during reductions in arterial blood pressure.

When investigating the body&#39;s mechanisms for regulating cerebral blood flow, a relative measurement of microcirculatory blood flow can be obtained ...

Biotribological Testing and Analysis of Articular Cartilage Sliding against Metal for Implants

Osteochondral defects in middle-aged patients might be treated with focal metallic implants. First developed for defects in the knee joint, implants are now available for the shoulder, hip, ankle and the first metatarsalphalangeal joint. While providing pain reduction and clinical improvement, progressive degenerative changes of the opposing cartilage are observed in many patients. The mechanisms leading to this damage are not fully understood. This protocol describes a tribological experiment to simulate a metal-on-cartilage pairing and comprehensive analysis of the articular cartilage. Metal implant material is tested against bovine osteochondral cylinders as a model for human articular cartilage. By applying different loads and sliding speeds, physiological loading conditions can be imitated. To provide a comprehensive analysis of the effects on the articular cartilage, histology, metabolic activity and gene expression analysis are described in this protocol. The main advantage of tribological testing is that loading parameters can be adjusted freely to simulate in vivo conditions. Furthermore, different testing solutions might be used to investigate the influence of lubrication or pro-inflammatory agents. By using gene expression analysis for cartilage-specific genes and catabolic genes, early changes in the metabolism of articular chondrocytes in response to mechanical loading might be detected.

This protocol describes the preparation, biotribological testing, and analysis of osteochondral cylinders sliding against metal implant material. Outcome measures included in this protocol are metabolic activity, gene expression and histology.

Osteochondral defects in middle-aged patients might be treated with focal metallic implants. First developed for defects in the knee joint, implants are ...

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool for the clinical assessment of cardiovascular morphology and heart function. It is also the recognized standard-of-care for blood flow quantification based on phase contrast MRI. While such measurement of blood flow has been possible in adults for decades, methods to extend this capability to fetal blood flow have only recently been developed.
Fetal blood flow quantification in major vessels is important for monitoring fetal pathologies such as congenital heart disease (CHD) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). CHD causes alterations in the cardiac structure and vasculature that change the course of blood in the fetus. In FGR, the path of blood flow is altered through the dilation of shunts such that the oxygenated blood supply to the brain is increased. Blood flow quantification enables assessment of the severity of the fetal pathology, which in turn allows for suitable&#160;in utero&#160;patient management and planning for postnatal care.
The primary challenges of applying phase contrast MRI to the human fetus include small blood vessel size, high fetal heart rate, potential MRI data corruption due to maternal respiration, unpredictable fetal movements, and lack of conventional cardiac gating methods to synchronize data acquisition. Here, we describe recent technical developments from our lab that have enabled the quantification of fetal blood flow using phase contrast MRI, including advances in accelerated imaging, motion compensation, and cardiac gating.

Here we present a protocol for measuring fetal blood flow rapidly with MRI and retrospectively performing motion correction and cardiac gating.