Development of a Stable Zwitterionic Polymer Coating on Ventricular Catheters to Prevent Hydrocephalus Shunt Failure
Abstract
Small silicone tubes called cerebrospinal shunts are commonly implanted by neurosurgeons to treat hydrocephalus, a disorder of excess fluid in the brain. Unfortunately, these shunts often fail, predominantly because brain cells or bacteria grow over small holes in the tube and prevent it from draining the excess fluid. This obstruction problem is also known as “fouling.” A permanent “antifouling” coating for these devices could greatly reduce this problem and improve the lives of hydrocephalus patients. In this research, we plan to develop and test new antifouling coatings for silicone ventricular shunt catheters. We hope to produce a prototype catheter with a uniform and durable “zwitterionic” coating, which many researchers have found to work the best and last the longest. To test our prototype catheters, we will carry out unique experiments that are good laboratory representations of the problems leading to shunt failure. First, we will try making this coating in several different ways — for example, one approach will deposit the coating from vapor, conceptually similar to dew forming on grass. In another approach, we will try dip coating the catheters. When we find the coating strategies that seem to work best, we will analyze these coatings in more detail, with electron microscopy and spectroscopic instruments. Then, we will test how well the coatings repel proteins and cells from sticking — one experiment will be similar to growing brain cells around the catheters embedded in a gelatin-like material, and another will pump bacteria through the catheters to test if they can resist infections. Our research plan is unique because it combines the best ideas from scientists studying many different areas; frequently, this leads to the most creative solutions. If our project is successful, we hope it will help military personnel, children, and indeed everybody with hydrocephalus. In the future, similar technologies may also improve many types of medical devices that are implanted in the body.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010109
Entities
People
- Andrew Sinclair
Organizations
- United States Army