Tortuosity-powered microfluidic device for assessment of thrombosis and antithrombotic therapy in whole blood

Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 1;10(1):5742. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-62768-4.

Abstract

Accurate assessment of blood thrombosis and antithrombotic therapy is essential for the management of patients in a variety of clinical conditions, including surgery and on extracorporeal life support. However, current monitoring devices do not measure the effects of hemodynamic forces that contribute significantly to coagulation, platelet function and fibrin formation. This limits the extent to which current assays can predict clotting status in patients. Here, we demonstrate that a biomimetic microfluidic device consisting stenosed and tortuous arteriolar vessels would analyze blood clotting under flow, while requiring a small blood volume. When the device is connected to an inline pressure sensor a clotting time analysis is applied, allowing for the accurate measurement of coagulation, platelets and fibrin content. Furthermore, this device detects a prolonged clotting time in clinical blood samples drawn from pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation receiving anticoagulant therapy. Thus, this tortuosity activated microfluidic device could lead to a more quantitative and rapid assessment of clotting disorders and their treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / pharmacology*
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Blood Coagulation Tests / instrumentation*
  • Blood Platelets / cytology
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Monitoring / instrumentation
  • Equipment Design
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
  • Fibrin / metabolism
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Thrombosis / blood*
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Thrombosis / metabolism

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Fibrin