Since 2003, animal studies conducted at the VAMC-Minneapolis demonstrated in pigs (the human cardiovascular size equivalent) that Gel-Del® biomedical materials hold great promise as artificial blood vessels, including those that supply the human heart. VasoGraft™, aimed at small diameter blood vessels, is made from Gel-Del® materials designed to mimic natural blood vessel tissue in almost every respect, including the components used to make it. It is supple and elastic, yet able to tolerate high blood pressures while allowing host vessel tissue to integrate into the graft. Gel-Del® developed the biomaterial, VasoCover™, used to make VasoGraft™ from a configured assembly of biochemicals, thus providing an effective non-clotting, blood-compatible surface for any cardiovascular device.

In pursuit of VasoGraft™ over the past several years, Gel-Del Technologies has won two National Institute of Health grants totaling over $2.1 million, including collaborations with Surmodics, The University of Minnesota, and VAMC-Minneapolis. As directed by our business plan, the newly formed VasoLogix™, Inc., a Gel-Del Technologies Company, will develop devices and biomaterial coatings for use in synthetic blood vessels and other blood contacting devices such as stents and catheters. VasoLogix, Inc. can use VasoCover™ technology to create cardiovascular products that integrate with the cells and tissues while providing an effective non-clotting, blood-compatible surface.