4D printing of shape memory inferior vena cava filters based on copolymer of poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PGSA-HEMA)

Abstract

Biodegradable shape memory polymers (SMP) with suitable transition temperatures (Tr) and mechanical properties are highly demanded in biomedical field as deployable medical devices. Herein, we report a 4D printing shape memory Inferior Vena Cava Filters (IVCFs), an implantation device, which could prevent the fatal pulmonary embolism, to exemplify the applicability of the biodegradable shape memory polymer in biomedical device field. The IVCF composed of poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PGSA-co-HEMA) was digital light processing (DLP) 3D printed. The appropriate mechanical property and Tr = 37.8 °C, which is close to human body temperature, was tailored by tuning the ratio of the raw material. PGSA-PHEMA presents an excellent cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility and histocompatibility as implants. Besides, in vitro degradation results indicate the biodegradability but withhold the mechanical properties within the service time. Furthermore, the simulated filter deploying and fully emboli interception verifies the successful realization of the concept of rapid, minimally invasive and controllable implantation of the 4D printing of IVCFs through the SMP transformation process, and the feasibility of the filter as well. Therefore, this work provides a new biocompatible SMP and offers a new strategy for developing deployable medical devices.