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Smart materials in cardiovascular implants: Shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers.
Heather Holman1, Minoo Naozer Kavarana1, Taufiek Konrad Rajab1
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Artificial Organs
|October 27, 2020
Summary
Shape memory polymers offer sophisticated alternatives to Nitinol in cardiovascular implants. This review explores their potential for coronary stents and transcatheter valves.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Smart materials offer tunable properties for medical devices.
- Nitinol (shape memory alloy) is the current standard for cardiovascular implants.
- Advancements in shape memory polymers present new opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review shape memory alloys and polymers for cardiovascular applications.
- To compare their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
- To explore their potential in coronary stents and transcatheter valves.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of smart materials in cardiovascular implants.
- Analysis of material properties relevant to clinical use.
- Assessment of applications in coronary stents and transcatheter valves.
Main Results:
- Shape memory alloys, like Nitinol, have established clinical use.
- Shape memory polymers exhibit promising characteristics for cardiovascular devices.
- Both material types have distinct advantages and disadvantages for specific applications.
Conclusions:
- Shape memory polymers represent a significant advancement in cardiovascular implant materials.
- Further research is warranted to fully realize their potential in coronary stents and transcatheter valves.
- These smart materials could revolutionize cardiovascular device design.
