Application of ion beam irradiated ePTFE to repair small vessel injuries

In surgery, bleeding from small injured vessels often requires prompt hemostasis without occlusion. This study evaluated the usefulness of 0.06 mm thick ion beam irradiated ePTFE sheets to repair small holes in vessels. Both surfaces of ePTFE sheets were irradiated with a 150 keV-Ar+ beam with fluences of 5 × 1014 ions/cm2. A small hole up to 2 mm in diameter was created in the common carotid artery of a rabbit. The defect was wrapped with an ion beam irradiated or non-irradiated ePTFE sheet. Fibrin glue was used to fix the ePTFE sheets to the common carotid artery. Hemostasis was instantly obtained with ion beam irradiated ePTFE but was rather difficult when using a non-irradiated ePTFE sheet. Three weeks after implantation, no occlusion was observed. Histological examination showed that the ePTFE sheets functioned as a scaffold for vessel wall regeneration. Thin ion beam irradiated ePTFE would be useful in vascular surgery.