Name: hemocompatibility testing of blood-contacting implants in a flow loop model mimicking human blood flow
Uploaded: 2020-03-05T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Hemocompatibility Testing of Blood-Contacting Implants in a Flow Loop Model Mimicking Human Blood Flow at JoVE.com

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 ...

<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. 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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 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 ...

This protocol presents a model for the hemocompatibility investigation of blood-contacting devices according to International Standard Organization guidelines. The model is ideal for mimicking the physiological conditions that correspond to the implant since the low background for thrombotic events and the low concentration of anticoagulants enable a broad analysis of blood parameter. This method is ideal for biomaterial research since it provides a simple way to evaluate hemocompatibility.Moreover, it can be used for preclinical studies. For heparin loading, first mix 5, 000 international units of undiluted heparin with 0.9%sodium chloride to obtain a 15 international units per milliliter of heparin concentration. Next, add 900 microliters of the diluted heparin solution to three neutral monovettes and three reserved monovettes per donor and store the heparin-loaded monovettes at four degrees Celsius.30 minutes before the blood sample collection, place the monovettes at room temperature. When the monovettes have warmed, collect nine milliliters of blood into each of three monovettes per donor before pooling all 27 milliliters of blood from each donor into a single plastic container. To prepare the flow loop, load at least one tube per condition with the neurovascular laser cut implant of interest and place one end of each tube in a reservoir filled with 0.9%sodium chloride.Place an unloaded tube into the reservoir and connect all of the tubes to the pump head. Then insert the other end of each tube into a measuring cylinder and adjust the settings of the peristaltic pump to a flow rate of 150 milliliters per minute using a timer while checking the fill level in the measuring cylinder. For hemocompatibility testing, use a 12 milliliter syringe to fill each tube with six milliliters of blood.After forming a circuit, use a 0.5 centimeter length of silicone connecting tubing to close the tubes tightly and place the tubes in a 37 degree Celsius water bath. Then start the 60 minute tube. For whole blood count analysis, add 1.2 milliliters of nonperfused blood or 1.2 milliliters of blood from each tube after the perfusion into individual monovettes containing EDTA.Carefully invert the monovettes five times and load the vials into a blood analyzer for a blood count analysis of each sample. At the end of the analysis, place the monovettes on ice for 15-60 minutes. For citrate plasma collection, fill citrate-containing monovettes with 1.4 milliliters of nonperfused or perfused blood and carefully invert each monovette five times.Separate the plasma by centrifugation and transfer three 250 microliter aliquots of the plasma fraction into individual 1.5 milliliter reaction tubes. Then freeze the plasma samples in liquid nitrogen and store them at minus 20 degrees Celsius until their analysis. For EDTA plasma collection, after the four degrees Celsius incubation after the blood count measurement, separate the plasma by centrifugation and transfer three 250 microliter aliquots of the plasma fraction into individual 1.5 milliliter reaction tubes.Then freeze the plasma samples in liquid nitrogen for minus 20 degrees Celsius storage. For CTAD plasma collection, fill CTAD-containing monovettes with 2.7 milliliters of freshly drawn or perfused blood and carefully invert the tubes five times. Place the monovettes on ice for 15-60 minutes before collecting the plasma by centrifugation.Transfer 700 microliters of each middle plasma fraction into individual 1.5 milliliter reaction tubes and centrifuge the filled reaction tubes again. Then transfer two 100 microliter aliquots of the middle fraction into individual 1.5 milliliter reaction tubes and freeze the tubes in liquid nitrogen for their storage at minus 20 degrees Celsius. To measure the TAT levels in the citrate plasma samples, add 50 microliters of ELISA sample buffer into each well of a 96-well flat bottom plate and 50 microliters of plasma standard, plasma control, and undiluted plasma samples in duplicates to the appropriate wells of the plate.After sealing the plate, incubate the samples at 37 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes with gentle shaking. At the end of the incubation, wash the plate three times with 300 microliters of washing solution per well before adding 100 microliters of peroxidase conjugated anti-human TAT antibody to each well. After a 15-minute incubation at 37 degrees Celsius with shaking, wash the plate three times with 300 microliters of fresh washing solution per well.After the last wash, add 100 microliters of freshly prepared chromogen solution per well for a 30-minute incubation at room temperature. At the end of the incubation, add 100 microliters of stop solution to each well and read the optical density on a photometer at 490 to 500 nanometers using the standard curve data as a trend line for calculating the TAT concentration of each sample. To prepare the implants for scanning electron microscopy, use forceps to remove the implants from the tubes and briefly rinse each implant three times in fresh 0.9%sodium chloride per wash.After the last wash, store the implants in individual containers of 2%glutaraldehyde in PBS without calcium and magnesium overnight at four degrees Celsius. The next morning, incubate the implants in individual containers of PBS for 10 minutes before dehydrating the implants in ascending concentrations of ethanol for 10 minutes per concentration as indicated. Directly after blood collection and perfusion, no changes are detected in the number of white or red blood cells or in the hematocrit values.However, a decrease in hemoglobin levels is detected after perfusion within the flow loop system. A decrease in platelet numbers is also observed, that is increased when an uncoated stent is present within the tubing. Notably, this loss is reduced when the blood is incubated with a fibrin-heparin-coated stent.The TAT complex concentration is mildly increased in response to the perfusion. When a bare metal stent is added, however, a significant increase in the TAT is detected indicating a profound activation of the coagulation system. The use of a fibrin-heparin-coated stent prevents this activation.Perfusion leads to an increased activation of the compliment cascade that is not affected by the presence of uncoated or fibrin-heparin-coated stents. Similarly, neutrophil granulocytes are activated as evidenced by the quantification of polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase levels. Visualization by scanning electron microscopy reveals that the presence of a dense network of blood cells and proteins on the surface of the uncoated stent after perfusion that is not observed on the fibrin-heparin-coated stents.It is of utmost importance to confirm that the blood fulfill the inclusion criteria for obtaining samples and to use freshly drawn blood as quick as possible. Human blood may contain bloodborne viruses and other agents and carries the risk of infection so be sure to always wear appropriate PPE when handling the samples.

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

A Rabbit Venous Interposition Model Mimicking Revascularization Surgery using Vein Grafts to Assess Intimal Hyperplasia under Arterial Blood Pressure

Although vein grafts have been commonly used as autologous grafts in revascularization surgeries for ischemic diseases, the long-term patency remains poor ...

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 ...