Graft Angle Research Articles

Grafting copolymerization of polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) onto preirradiated PP films

Polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) with different polyethylene oxide units were grafted onto polypropylene (PP) films by a preirradiation grafting method. The effect of co-solvent system on the degree of grafting and water contact angle were determined, respectively. The grafted sample films were verified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflectance mode (ATR). The biocompatibility and blood compatibility of the grafted PP films were evaluated by the determination of protein adsorption, platelet adsorption and thrombus.

Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of variably angled end-to-side microvascular anastomoses.

A comparison of right-angled and opposing oblique-angled end-to-side microvascular anastomoses with both patent and occluded recipient vessels was performed in rats. Patency rates after 3 weeks were comparable in all types of anastomoses (average, 92%). However, scanning electron microscopic evaluation revealed a variety of both nonspecific (pits, craters, folds, etc.) and angle-dependent (mounds, erosions, bridges, etc.) endothelial alterations. It is concluded that, in proximally patent recipient vessels, the functional integrity of the anastomosis is not related to the grafting angle; however, in proximally occluded recipient vessels, retrograde-directed oblique angles may lead to progressive embarrassment of anastomotic function.