Blood compatible materials: state of the art

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Engineering
• Hematology

Background:

• Medical devices interacting with blood, such as vascular grafts and stents, are common in healthcare.
• Blood contact with artificial surfaces often triggers thrombosis, a major clinical challenge.
• No current material guarantees indefinite thrombus-free performance in all circulatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on blood-material interactions.
• To discuss strategies for developing thromboresistant materials.
• To highlight advancements in preventing device-related thrombosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of blood-material interactions.
• Analysis of existing and emerging thromboresistant material development approaches.
• Examination of surface modification techniques and biomimetic strategies.

Main Results:

• Thrombosis remains a significant adverse outcome for blood-contacting medical devices.
• Various strategies are being explored to enhance material thromboresistance.
• Surface passivation, drug elution, and endothelial cell mimicry show promise.

Conclusions:

• Effective thromboresistant materials are essential for improving the safety and efficacy of medical devices.
• Continued research into blood-material interactions is vital for clinical advancements.
• A combination of approaches may be necessary to achieve long-term thromboresistance.