TOMSK, Mar 30 – RIA Tomsk. Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) suggested to apply superthin titanium coverings on the implants intended for restoration of the damaged vessels, the associate professor of the Department of Experimental Physics TPU Sergey Tverdokhlebov reported RIA Tomsk.
"The question of replacement of vessels is particularly acute. The easiest way – is to take a vessel from the patient. But it happens so that they are very weak or they aren't enough. Therefore artificial vessels are created, their properties try to improve. We have suggested to modify them with plasma and in parallel to put a coating from the titan", – the scientist told.
Tverdokhlebov explained that the main material of which artificial vessels are made is polymer. After processing with plasma material crystallizes and becomes stronger. At the same time the titanium covering is applied on an implant.
"When the titan interacts with oxygen, it is oxidized, and we receive on a surface of an artificial vessel a thin covering from titanium dioxide. It increases survival of the implanted materials as it is simpler to organism to accept it, than polymer. But there is one cunning: it is necessary to pick up such mode of processing to receive the necessary structure of polymer and not to "burn" it – otherwise it will become fragile", – he told.According to the scientist, this technology can be used at production of any artificial vessels. It is supposed that implants with time have to be completely replaced with own body tissues. And it is possible to modify implants directly by their production.
The interlocutor of the agency added that polytechnicians work on the project together with specialists of Kemerovo Research Institute of Complex Problems of Cardiovascular Disease and Federal Almazov North-West Medical Research Centre (St. Petersburg). So far scientists select the optimum mode of processing of polymers and materials. Within 3-5 years scientists plan to create the first prototypes of products.