2016

Harvard scientists report on novel method for extending the life of implantable devices in situ

April 13, 2016

New approach offers promise for long-term efficacy

by Kelly Lawman, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 

Blood-contacting implantable medical devices, such as stents, heart valves, ventricular assist devices, and extracorporeal support systems, as well as vascular grafts and access catheters, are used worldwide to improve patients’ lives. However, these devices are prone to failure due to the body’s responses at the blood-material interface; clots can form and inflammatory reactions can prevent the device from performing as indicated....

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