Ion-beam irradiated ePTFE as an aneurysm wrapping material

Intracranial aneurysms are usually treated with either microsurgical clipping or endovascular coiling. However, as so called broad-neck aneurysms or aneurysms from which vessels branch out are not suitable for these treatment options, a wrapping technique using muslin gauze, muscle piece, or ePTFE is chosen for such cases in order to reinforce the aneurysm wall. The material for aneurysmal wrapping demands stable adherence to the aneurysm wall without reactive inflammatory response. We have developed a new ePTFE by ion-beam irradiation technique that is biologically inert and able to adhere firmly to biomedical tissue. Based on recent studies, Ar+ ions at an energy of 150 keV with a fluence of 5 × 1014 ions/cm2 were chosen to irradiate ePTFE. Cell adhesion tests and direct implantation of ion-beam irradiated ePTFE as wrapping material to rabbit common carotid arteries were examined. It was demonstrated that the surface of ion-beam irradiated ePTFE exhibits remarkably greater adhesion and promotes cell proliferation. The ion-beam irradiated ePTFE strongly adhered to the mural wall of the rabbit common carotid arteries inducing a little inflammatory reaction. The results of this investigation indicate that application of this technology would offer the best treatments for aneurysm wrapping.