Comparative study of the thromboresistance of Dacron® combined with various polyurethanes

In vitro tests were carried out on Dacron® samples differently knitted and on Dacron® vascular prostheses coated with various urethanes. All the materials were put in contact with human platelet-rich plasma; the subsequent assay of three platelet released substances, i.e. β-thromboglobulin, platelet factor 4 and thromboxane B₂, as well as the quantification of platelet retention, were used to establish the degree of thrombogenicity of the material itself. In some cases Dacron®-urethanes composites showed better thromboresistance than any other materials conventionally used in vascular surgery.