Researchers are currently developing methods for masking tissue from adhesive cell interactions by attaching polymer segments to the tissue surface. The attachment process is performed under conditions and in periods that make this technique amenable to clinical application. One of the first targets for applying this approach has been to modify damaged arterial tissue to prevent platelet deposition. In coronary balloon angioplasty acute platelet deposition at the site of balloon expansion is problematic, leading to complications in both the short term (acute vessel closure) and long term (as a possible contributor to restenosis). Researchers are evaluating the ability of our technique to block platelet deposition following vascular damage in both in vitro and in vivo models of vascular damage and have reported encouraging results.

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