There is need for a percutaneous vascular access device (PVAD) that requires minimal care and remains functional for long time periods as the use of currently available chronic indwelling catheters is limited due to complications, particularly infection. The goal of this program is to design and fabricate a new PVAD to improve the function of this device. The research will critically examine the existing designs, develop novel design criteria, apply new technology, and utilize a unique biological evaluation technique for rapid screening of new biomedical materials.This feasibility study will result in a new percutaneous connector design that overcomes current limitations by selecting materials of construction and geometry that(1) enhance the epidermal seal to the device,(2) enhance soft tissue adhesion to the device,(3) enhance subcutaneous anchorage by the use of porosity, and(4) are compliant elastomers in order to reduce stress concentrations.The use of a nonporous bioactive surface will be investigated for its potential ability to enhance epidermal adhesion and maintain a tight seal. The subcutaneous contacting surface will have a microporous surface to enhance tissue stabilization and provide a second tier of defense against epidermal downgrowth. These results will provide the basis for an optimized device that will undergo longer term preclinical testing in a Phase II study.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:This PVAD will be easy to implant, require minimal care, and be infection resistant. The market includes chemotherapy administration, AIDS treatment, total parenteral administration, drug infusion for the elderly, and vascular access for hemodialysis and plasmapheresis .National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NLBI)
