In collaboration with our cardiologist colleagues we performed histological analysis of novel polymeric materials which are currently under investigation for use in synthetic heart valves.
We looked for evidence of blood clot formation, following exposure to blood donated by trial participants in the cardiology department.
Novel polymeric materials have different properties to tissues and our analysis determined the best method for sample preparation prior to staining, including the choice of fixative and whether processing to paraffin was necessary.
We stained the samples using a modified masson trichrome stain, to identify platelets, erythrocytes, fibrin and other connective tissues that may have adhered to the polymer during exposure to blood flow.
Our work supported the biocompatibility of the polymer for use in the manufacture of synthetic prosthetic heart valves.
Following publication, the study is moving to human trials of the synthetic heart valves.