Download Progress Report 1

1. Background on the project itself.
Our product focuses on reducing the chances of vascular bypass failure by delivering an
MAP kinase 2 (MK2) inhibitor deep into the bypass vein wall. We propose to deliver this
inhibitor by creating a pressure gradient from the lumen of the vein to the exterior thereby
allowing a drug solution to flow convectively through the vein wall. Our objectives are to show
that this method does not cause irreparable damage to the bypass vein, delivers molecules deep
into the vein wall, and decreases the chance of vascular bypass failure for patients.
2. Discussion of achievements since last reporting.
Since our last report, we gathered all the materials we need to construct a prototype of
our device. We were then able to assemble and test our prototype with a human tissue sample to
create a preliminary protocol for assembling and using the device. With our prototype device
assembled, we successfully pressurized the device to 132, 300 and 600 mmHg (132 being nondamaging to the vein, 300 being the limit of vessel wall damage and 600 being a blowout
level). These will the the pressure levels we use for experiments in the future.
3. Discussion of problems that have arisen.
One problem was that the bypass vein stuck to the sides of the dialysis tubing during
assembly. To fix this, we decided to use a suture guidewire to help us string the vein through the
dialysis tubing and will be incorporated into future designs. Additionally, liquid leaked out of the
non-cannulated end of the dialysis tubing at high pressures. We plan on using dialysis clamps as
an alternative method to reinforce it. A third issue was that the vessels aren’t uniformed in size,
which means that the dialysis tubing can’t prevent physical damage. We will wrap parafilm
around the dialysis tubing to try and make a custom fitted sheath around the vein.
4. Discussion of work that lies ahead.
In regard to future tasks, we will be performing two experiments, the first of which is a
pressure-induced tissue damage assessment. We will be performing 7 trials using the improved
prototype design both with and without dialysis tubing. We will be inducing three different
pressures, 132, 300, and 600 mmHg for each of the dialysis tubing conditions. We will also have
a control vein with no tubing in solution. Immunohistochemical (Evans Blue Dye) testing will be
used to analyze any pressure-induced tissue damage. The second task is a flow experiment. We
will determine if the solution is flowing through the dialysis tubing by inserting blue dye into the
lumen of the vessel. The vessel will then be pressurized using our device, and we will
qualitatively determine if the blue dye is escaping through the dialysis tubing.
5. Assessment of whether you will meet the objectives in the proposed schedule and budget.
This project remains on schedule as well as on budget. Our goal was to create our first
prototype by the end of January which was accomplished. This will leave plenty of time for the
testing that needs to occur in the next several months. Thus far, we have spent $365 on dialysis
tubing which will be utilized in each iteration of our design.