Research and development
Research and development have a long tradition at VÚP, the first successful completion of research work on the development of knitted vascular grafts dates back to 1961. Later on the research work in the field of medical devices was focused on extension of the range of products improving at the same time the performance characteristics and quality of the medical devices produced. Current orientation of the research and development differs somewhat from the preceding years. We direct all capacities to the field of the research of vascular grafts with added value and to the research of other medical products with emphasis on the utilization of our own source of collagen material.
Our research and development team always bear in mind that we are partners of experts in health care and that we support them in our common mission to ensure a better life for everyone.
Vascular prosthesis with adiponectin (Adipograft)
Developed within the scope of the programme project of the Ministry of Industry and Trade – Permanent Prosperity 2A – 1TP1/122
Adiponectin:
- a protein produced by the human body, its production takes place in adipocytes, first described in 1995
- adiponectin content in the blood of healthy individuals ranges from 0.5 to 30 μg/ml
- molecular weight 30 kDa
- consists of 244 amino acids
- shows a certain homology with collagen
- is able to bind to collagen
Adiponectin properties:
- protects arterial walls against development and progression of atherosclerosis
- prevents transformation of macrophages into foam cells
- reduces expression of superficial adhesive molecules on the surface of macrophages
- is able to adhere to the exposed subendothelial area of a damaged vessel
- significantly reduces undesirable proliferation of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue cells
- promotes proliferation and migration of endothelial cells
- the layer formed by endothelial cells prevents blood platelets adhering and thrombus formation
Type of prosthesis:
- finished Ra vascular prosthesis
- warp-knitting technology – high strength and shape stability
- the prosthesis is soft and slightly elastic
- optimum porosity – 70.0 %
- wall thickness – 0.51 mm
- finish – collagen mass with adiponectin
Vascular prosthesis applications:
- Adipograft can be used in aorto-femoral and ilio-femoral regions, femoro-popliteal region above the knee joint, in the region of extra-cranial arteries, and for extraanatomical bypasses. Using these prostheses, arterial reconstructions can be carried out without great loss of blood.
- Adipograft can be used to advantage for arterial reconstructions in patients with indicated diabetes and increased blood clotting.
Technical description of the product
Adipograft consists of a knitted tube made of polyester filament yarn using a warp-knitting technology. The front wall of the prosthesis is provided with a colour guiding line that makes it easier for the surgeon to orientate himself in the surgical wound during implantation.
Adipograft RVKA is a straight crimped prosthesis, BVKA is a branched (bifurcated) crimped prosthesis. Thanks to the crimping the graft retains a lumen of circular shape even when it is bent. A continuous layer of chemically modified bovine collagen is applied to the surface of the prostheses. It facilitates ingrowth of the tissue into the implant and impermeability of the prosthesis wall at the time of implantation. Both the outer and inner side of the tube is coated with a nanolayer of adiponectin. It prevents formation of thrombi and promotes faster endothelization of the vascular graft.
Results of the experiment
The favourable macroscopic picture of implanted grafts with adiponectin in the animal’s body (sheep) (for periods of ca 1 month and 3 months) shows an excellent ingrowth of tissue into the grafts owing to their good rheological properties. In the experiment, the results of the prostheses with adiponectin came out better than those of the prostheses in the control group that are commonly used in human medicine. The histological picture of the prostheses with adiponectin has proved the quality and rapidity of the ingrowth.
The prosthesis with adiponectin meets all prerequisites for a clinical trial.
On the following page there are examples of photo documentation of the preclinical trial carried out in collaboration of
2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University
U sv. Anny Teaching Hospital in Brno
Pekařská 53, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic
Head: Prof. MUDr. Robert Staffa, Ph.D.
Researcher in charge of the project: Doc. MUDr. Jiří Podlaha, CSc.
and
Dog & Cat Clinic
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno
Palackého 1-3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
Chairman: Doc. MVDr. Michal Vlašín, Ph.D.
Researcher in charge: Doc. MVDr. Michal Vlašín, Ph.D.
Fig.1 Surgical team
Fig.2 Preparation of the carotid of a sheep
Fig.3 Implantation of a prosthesis with adiponectin