title: Biomaterials and cardiovascular devices.
abstract: In the field of cardiovascular surgery there is presently a lack of biomaterials possessing essential characteristics of the native tissue or organ which is to be replaced. This paper describes various biomaterials that have been introduced into the circulatory system and the complex reactions that subsequently occur. The risk of infection is also discussed as well as prevention and treatment regimes that can be used. Examples of future biomaterial development are outlined in an attempt to achieve biocompatibility.
authors.affiliation: Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Macnair
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Underwood
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Angelini
mesh_terms: D001802:Blood Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000592:standards*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D005544:Forecasting; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000592:standards*; D006355:Heart-Lung Machine / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing
chemical_list: D001802:Blood Substitutes