Cardiovascular Biomaterials

Question 1

atherosclerosis

Answer 1

major vascular disease in humans, plaque build up on walls

peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when in legs

Question 2

common sites of atherosclerosis

Answer 2

brain(stroke), heart(myocardial infarction), abdomen(aortic aneurysm), legs(PAD, most common)

Question 3

vascular graft materials

Answer 3

Dacron(hard, stiff, hydrophobic, larger diameter (>4mm) grafts)
ePTFE(aka teflon, good biocompatibility, hydrophobic, air permeable, low friction coefficient, 30 microns between fibers)

Question 4

fluid dynamics in vessels

Answer 4

femoral artery, common carotid, carotid sinus, external carotid, all have low flow and high shear

Question 5

why do vascular grafts fail

Answer 5

no endothelial lining in humans, thrombosis, infection, hyperplasia(increase in number of cells)

Question 6

stent insertion

Answer 6

ballon w/ stent inserted into artery, balloon inflated, widening stent, ballon removed, stent stays

Question 7

valvular heart disease

Answer 7

mitral and aortic valve- stenosis(fail to open), regurgitation(fail to close)
mechanical replacement in younger patients
biologic replacement in older patients