Arteriovenous shunt method using newly developed “Flow Cell” has been used to evaluate thromboresistance of the materials containing heparinized hydrophilic polymers. The effect of both shear rate and contact surface area of blood and the test materials on the thrombus formation was studied. Heparinized hydrophilic polymers were found to be markedly thromboresistant in the region of larger contact surface area and lower shear rate comparing with silicone rubber and polyurethane. Scanning electron microscopic studies also showed only undeformed platelet adhesion onto the surface of heparinized hydrophilic polymers.
