In vivo evaluation of biomimetic fluorosurfactant polymer-coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts in a porcine carotid artery bypass model

The development of small-diameter expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts with improved cellular integration and blood compatibility remains a significant clinical challenge, yet it would benefit many patients lacking suitable autologous vessels for small-diameter bypass procedures. We have developed biomimetic, fluorosurfactant polymers that self-assemble on ePTFE grafts and can promote selective endothelial cell attachment while reducing platelet adhesion. The long-term goal with this technology is to produce an easy-to-manufacture, off-the-shelf ePTFE graft with improved endothelialization without altering the underlying ePTFE structure or handling characteristics. Here, we demonstrate that fluorosurfactant polymer-coated grafts can be successfully synthesized and used in vivo.