Temporary ischaemia induced by degradable starch microspheres. Possible thrombogenic effects in vivo and in vitro.

Possible thrombogenic effects of degradable starch microspheres were investigated. Controlled temporary small intestinal ischaemia ws induced by injection into the superior mesenteric artery in cats. Arterial flow consistently recovered after ischaemia. No consumption of blood platelets, fibrinogen, or Factor VIII was observed. Aggregation of human platelets was not influenced by microsphere exposure, and platelet retention in starch microsphere columns was minimal. No thrombosis was detected in feline small intestinal vessels in vivo nor did starch surfaces induce adhesion or aggregation of human platelets in vitro. Thus, no evidence of thrombotic hazards was found by inducing temporary intestinal ischaemia by starch microspheres.