A Novel Cardiovascular Prosthesis Made from Woven Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Fibers, Proof of Concept in a Sheep Model

Background: A patch made of woven ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers is thin, strong, and flexible and may be attractive for use in cardiovascular prostheses. This study assessed the hemocompatibility of this patch in a sheep model. Methods: The UHMWPE patches were sutured in the right carotid artery and jugular vein in 12 adult sheep, and in the same animal, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) patches were sutured as control patches in the left carotid artery and jugular vein. Follow-up (FU) was 4 hrs, 1 week, and 6 weeks (n = 4 for all time points). Patency of the vessels was assessed with qualitative observational short-axis echography, and thrombus formation and tissue deposition were assessed with histology. Results: All vessels were fully patent at the end of the study. Thrombus formation was comparable for the UHMWPE and the ePTFE patches. Tissue deposition was not significantly different on the UHMWPE patches, except for patches in the jugular vein at 1 week of FU where it was significantly thicker. Conclusions: These results suggest the noninferiority of the UHMWPE patch compared with the clinically used ePTFE patch; therefore, this novel cardiovascular prosthesis might be attractive for use as a cardiovascular patch.