UCLA

An intracranial aneurysm (ICA) is a local distension within the arterial wall of the brain. Within the United States it is estimated that 15 million people have some form of an ICA, with an additional incidence rate of 75,000 patients per year. When a patient experiences an aneurysm rupture, 15% of patients will die before reaching the hospital. However shockingly, 50% of patients that receive treatment with existing technology will die within the first 30 days. Therefore, current technology must be improved to for fast and effective treatment. The goal of this research was to utilize inherent biomaterial properties for the purposes of accelerating the ICA wound healing process.

We have developed a novel endovascular device around clinical practice with high potential for commercial development. Requirements for technological development were to limit friction during deployment, validate coating quality for commercial fabrication, and achieve accelerated intracranial aneurysm wound healing above bare platinum coils (BPC).

Research has shown that materials can influence the wound healing cascade. It was hypothesized that inducing a stronger inflammatory reaction will lead to accelerated wound healing mechanisms downstream. We have shown that fast degrading acid modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic) polymers (aPLGA) can further accelerate this process by early induction of the inflammatory phase. To further understand the mechanism behind accelerated ICA wound healing, we performed in vitro analysis of low molecular weight aPLGA. Cellular response to aPLGA showed increased levels of inflammatory cytokines as well as collagen deposition. In addition, in vivo tests were performed in swine and showed significant healing above BPCs and another commercially available coil type.

Degradable metals were investigated for the potential to induce accelerated ICA healing in vitro. Candidate degradable metals were chosen based on biocompatibility and commercial feasibility for production. Electroplated iron on BPCs showed an increase of inflammatory cytokines in vitro as well as collagen deposition against controls. Proof of concept for commercial development was shown by atomic sputter deposition.

The goal of this research was to develop novel solutions to achieve accelerated ICA wound healing through inherent biomaterial properties. This goal was achieved by elucidating candidate materials which induced enhanced inflammatory reactions, and then constructed processes for commercial fabrication.