Gadolinium nanoparticle-enhanced, radiopaque, and resorbable inferior vena cava filters for improved in vivo applications.

Abstract

Previous studies demonstrated that poly-p-dioxanone (PPDO)-based absorbable inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) infused with high-Z nanoparticles enhance long-term radiopacity without compromising filter integrity and safety. This study explored the use of gadolinium nanoparticles (GdNPs) infused with polymer blends, including polyhydroxybutyrate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polycaprolactone, to increase nanoparticle deposition onto PPDO IVCFs. The PPDO-Gd infusion significantly improved (P < 0.0001) in vitro radiopacity (2,823 ± 51 HU) without changing the other physicochemical properties of PPDO sutures. Biocompatibility tests in MOVAS and EC-RF24 cells revealed no cytotoxic effects, and PPDO-Gd demonstrated no significant hemolytic activity (P > 0.05). In proof-of-concept porcine models (n=2), fluoroscopy-guided IVCF deployment showed that PPDO-Gd maintained enhanced visibility without compromising clot-trapping efficacy of filters. In vivo monitoring for 12 weeks showed sustained radiopacity of PPDO-Gd. These results suggest efficacy of this proof-of-concept, radiopaque, absorbable IVCF for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The current inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, used to prevent blood clots, often require surgical removal and are difficult to monitor with standard imaging. Our research introduces a resorbable IVC filter enhanced with gadolinium nanoparticles, making it both visible on X-ray imaging and naturally dissolvable in the body. This dual innovation addresses key limitations of existing filters by improving patient safety, reducing the need for follow-up surgeries, and enabling precise, real-time monitoring. Our work represents a significant advance in biomedical device design and holds broad interest for those in medical technology, radiology, and vascular medicine.