Scholars@Duke
Donald Serafin

Donald Serafin

Professor Emeritus of Surgery
Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery
donald.serafin@duke.edu
Box 3372 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
300 Crutchfield, Durham, NC 27704

Overview

Current Research Efforts: Working in collaboration with Bruce Klitzman, Ph.D., Director of the Plastic Surgery Research Laboratories, investigations continue on altering the thrombogenicity of microvascular prostheses. Efforts have been directed in reducing the thrombogenicity of (ePTFE) expanded polytetrafluroethylene vascular grafts utilizing hydrostatic pressure. Vascular prostheses were placed in saline under 6,000 psig hydrostatic pressure in an attempt to eliminate small pockets of gas known as gas nuclei trapped within the surface interstices of the graft material. By elimination of these gas nuclei thrombogenicity was significantly reduced.
In other studies it has been demonstrated that ePTFE treated grafts with TDMAC in Heparin also resulted in reduced thrombogenicity of the graft.
Other studies include the quantification of platelet emboli downstream from a vascular prosthesis, utilizing an isolated muscle technique which permits continuous monitoring of the microcirculation in the cremaster muscle. Current studies demonstrated that TDMAC Heparin on ePTFE microvascular prostheses not only improved graft patency rates but enhanced perfusion and reduced microemboli.
Ongoing investigations include the isolation and attachment of microvascular endothelial cells to ePTFE vascular graft material. Pretreatment of the graft material with denucleation and TDMAC with and without fibronectin demonstrated a highly significant retention of microvascular endothelial cells to the prosthesis. Current studies are underway to evaluate the degree to which these microvascular endothelial cells are metabolically active.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor Emeritus of Surgery · 2000 - Present Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Surgery

Education, Training & Certifications

Duke University · 1964 M.D.