Pre-clinical assessment of small diameter conduit made from nanocomposite polymer for coronary artery bypass graft application (360G-Wellcome-099722_Z_12_Z)

Current synthetic grafts are largely based on polytetraluoroethane (PTFE) or Dacron perform adequately as large calibre grafts, but are not suitable for coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) due to the small diameter of the coronary arteries, the low blood flow rates and high occlusion rates resulting in thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia. There is a clinical need for a smaller diameter CABG (<5mm) that mimics the properties of native human artery, and this is being developed by Professor Alexander Seifalian and colleagues at University College London. The conduits are to be made from a novel patented polymer based on polyhexal oligomeric silsequioxanes and poly(carbonate urea) urethane. The translational funding will be used to validate the small diameter cardiac bypass graft in an animal model, experiments that are required in accordance with the regulatory authority requirements for an implantable device.