Ethylcellulose perfluorobutyrate: a highly non-thrombogenic fluoropolymer for gas exchange membranes.

A novel fluoropolymer prepared from ethylcellulose by acylation with perfluorobutyryl chloride has been shown to be remarkably non-thrombogenic in vena cava and renal embolus ring implant tests. Gas permeabilities of this fluoropolymer are dufficient to make it highly attractive for membrane blood oxygenators, either in the form of a thin film supported by a porous substrate or as a thin coating deposited onto microporous substrates. The broad solvent solubility of this fluoropolymer allows it to be fabricated into membranes by pratical processes. Good adhesion of coatings of this polymer to rigid and semi-rigid plastic surfaces can be achieved in many cases. This fluoropolymer represents an important new biomaterial for use in blood handling and oxygenation devices.