The “y-graft” technique reduces the risk of scar tissue formation after vascular bypass surgery and has been developed by GraftCraft in Göteborg. “y-graft” is now receiving international attention as one of Europe’s 20 best biotech inventions in 2010. In the future, this may lead to reduced costs for society and continued good quality of life for many more patients following heart surgery.

“We are both proud and flattered. To be identified in competition on such high international level will be a door opener for us to the world,” says Associate Professor Dr Erney Mattsson, one of the founders of GraftCraft.

Today, about 30 percent of all bypass grafts cease functioning within a year after surgery due to the formation of scar tissue. This leads to reduced blood flow and blood clot formation in the inserted vessel, which occludes. “y-graft” is an artificial blood vessel which, owing to its unique Y-shaped design, promotes the natural flow of blood and thus reduces the risk of scar tissue.

Optimal blood flow is vital

Erney Mattson has long conducted research on why some bypasses stop working. One important aspect is blood flow. Energy-efficient blood flow takes place when the heart is able to pump the required amount of blood while using the least possible energy to do so. Studies by Murray, a physicist, showed that flow splits have an optimal balance between conduit angles, flow volume and diameters to induce energy-efficient flow. In bypass operations, it is common to make use of a vein from the patient’s leg but when the preconditions for blood flow do not conform to Murray’s principles, the result is an unnatural blood flow pattern and scar tissue forms.

“y-graft” – the first artificial blood vessel to feature a natural design

It was this realisation that gave birth to the idea of “y-graft” – the first artificial blood vessel to feature a natural design. In partnership with bio-mathematician Torbjörn Lundh, a blood vessel was created that conforms to the body’s physical laws. Early in its research study phase, the innovation showed that it promotes the natural flow of blood, which in turn reduces the risk of restrictive scar tissue.

High scientific quality and considerable potential

The organisation Universal Biotech recognises the best biotech inventions in Europe via its competition entitled The Universal Biotech Innovation Grant. When it came to the “y-graft”, the jury was particularly impressed by the scientific quality and the immense potential it represented. This year’s twenty finalists will soon present their projects at the Innovation Days 2010 in Paris.

Verification grant important to success

“y-graft” was also presented at Park Annual 09, Sahlgrenska Science Park’s annual event, after receiving a verification grant in 2009 for the invention from GöteborgBIO in cooperation with Sahlgrenska Science Park.

“We would never have made so much progress were it not for the support we received, in terms of both business advice and financing. The verification grant has been truly valuable and an absolute precondition for us to reach this level,” says Erney Mattsson.

About GraftCraft

GraftCraft, with its “y-graft” subsidiary, is one of many incubator companies within Sahlgrenska Science Park in Gothenburg. “y-graft” holds the Swedish patent and the innovation has been reviewed and approved by the PCT global patent authority. Applications have been submitted in some forty countries.

www.ygraft.com 

www.graftcraft.com

For more information:

Erney Mattsson, CEO

Phone +46 (0)737-85 44 90

erney.mattsson@y-graft.com

www.sahlgrenskasciencepark.com

www.goteborgbio.se

www.universal-biotech.com