Figure 1. . Murine model and thrombus characterization.

(A) Visual representation of where the scaffold is implanted in the infrarenal abdominal IVC model. (B) Gross image and dimensions of the scaffolds used in this study. (C) An image obtained using scanning electron microscopy showing the luminal surface of the scaffold. Visible within the image is an approximately 20 μm diameter PGA fiber that forms the framework for the sponge-like PCLA sealant. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that mural thrombi were largely eosinophilic but contained isolated pockets of RBCs (D). Nucleated cells were largely observed toward the outer surface of the scaffolds suggesting that infiltration was occurring from the peritoneal space. Scanning electron microscopy of histological sections was performed to determine the composition of thrombi, confirming the presence of biconcave-shaped RBCs (E). On occasion, fibrin was observed, typically only within the pockets of RBCs. In higher magnification transverse (F) and en face (G) images, platelets can be seen coating the luminal surface in various stages of activation and spreading and suggesting that the eosinophilic regions might be composed of highly compacted platelets. Error bars represent the standard deviation. Scale bars are 50 μm (C), 200 μm (D), 10 μm (E & G) and 2 μm (F).

ID: Inner diameter; IVC: Inferior vena cava; OD: Outer diameter; PCLA: Poly-ε-caprolactone and poly-l-lactide; PGA: Polyglycolic acid; RBC: Red blood cell.