Antithrombogenicity of immobilized urokinase--clinical application.

A plasminogen activator, urokinase (UK) was immobilized on four different polymer surfaces: nylon, silicone rubber, poly (vinyl chloride) and a polyester, using our newly devised technique. Each material proved to have plasminogen activating activity. In vitro the thrombus formation time (TFT) of the UK-immobilized nylon tubes was over 45 minutes and the TFT of UK-immobilized silicone rubber tubes varied. When applied clinically, the UK-immobilized nylon tubes showed excellent antithrombogenicity.