Vein-on-a-chip could improve thrombosis research

The vein-on-a-chip model has been developed by scientists at Birmingham University and could be used in experiments to understand mechanisms of blood clot formation.

Deep vein thrombosis is the development of blood clots in veins, usually in the legs. It is a serious condition because the clot can detach and travel to the lungs, where it may block blood vessels, causing difficulty in breathing that may be fatal. Deep vein thrombosis is a third most common cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction and stroke, with tens of thousands of people in the UK developing this condition every year.

Mechanisms of deep vein thrombosis require further research to improve clinicians’ understanding and ability to treat or prevent the condition.

Described in a recent paper published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, the Birmingham team’s device is a tiny channel, which includes structures called ‘valves’ that ensure the correct direction of blood flow.

Dr Alexander Brill from Birmingham’s Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, together with Drs Daniele Vigolo and Alessio Alexiadis from the School of Chemical Engineering, led the development of the new device.