Heparin coating of the stent graft — effects on platelets, coagulation and complement activation

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of heparin coating of a new stent construction (Stent Graft™, Jomed Implantate GmbH, Germany) on platelet and coagulation activity. Methods. Stent grafts with an ePTFE membrane interfoliated between two stents were deployed in tubings to form Chandler loops. Fresh human blood with a low concentration of heparin was rotated for 1 h, then collected and used for measurements of platelet number, thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), CD11b, C3a and C5b-9. There were five study groups: Group 1, conventional unmodified stents (n=8); Group 2, untreated stent grafts (n=8); Group 3, heparin-coated stents and untreated membrane (n=7); Group 4, heparin-coated stents and membrane (n=8); Group 5, heparin-coated PVC tubings with no stents (n=8). Results. There was a significant drop in platelet count, increase in TAT-values and CD11b expression in Groups 1–3 but not in Group 4 compared to Group 5. Examination by scanning electron microscopy revealed extensive activation on non-modified stents but almost no deposition of thrombotic material on heparin-modified stent grafts. Conclusions. With unmodified stents and membrane there were signs of significant activation of platelets and coagulation. In contrast, the heparin-coated stent graft induced much less alterations, indicating improved blood compatibility.