Following a myocardial infarction, the ventricular wall can undergo a remodeling process that sees formerly functional, synchronized myocardium acutely replaced with an inflamed, necrotic tissue bed that ultimately becomes a thinned, scarred wall, which contributes to ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. The mechanical environment in which infarcted tissue remodels is believed to have an impact on the direction and outcome of the process. To develop polymer-based approaches to improve functional outcomes of ventricular remodeling we have designed polymers as degradable supports that act as scaffolds for new tissue generation or as temporary load bearing elements during the remodeling process. Two general types of supporting biomaterials have been developed and tested in models of ischemic cardiomyopathy. In the first approach thermoplastic elastomers, typified by poly(ester urethane)urea, have been synthesized and processed to form microporous or microfibrillar elastic patches. Molecular design parameters can be selected to tune mechanical and degradation properties. In the processing steps, composites with natural materials, such as extracellular matrix digests and other bioactive components, have been generated. A second approach has focused on the development of thermoresponsive, injectable copolymers that undergo a rapid phase change, gelling in situ to provide mechanical support to tissues under load, but then degrading to become soluble over time. N-isopropyl acrylamide addition copolymers have been used as a basis for these injectable gels. The application of both classes of materials in vivo has been shown to alter ventricular remodeling patterns and to facilitate tissue remodeling changes that are associated with functional improvements.<br/>

Polymer design for mechanical support of the ventricular wall following myocardial infarction

254th National Meeting (2017)

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