Histocompatibility of a novel polyurethane material for construction of prosthetic heart valve

AIM: To evaluate the histocompatibility of a novel polyurethane material used for the construction of prosthetic heart valves. METHODS: Evaluations including hemolysis, stimulation and systemic acute toxicity tests were performed. Polyurethane extracts were injected subcutaneously (SC) in rabbits and intravenously (IV) in mice. Histological and animal responses after 72 h were studied. RESULTS: This material has displayed good histocompatibility. No toxicity was observed. Primary skin irritation test showed no erythema, eschar or edema. CONCLUSION: This novel polyurethane material meets the requirements for material characteristics used for the construction of prosthetic heart valves.