Polymers for Vascular Applications
Satish Polshettiwar, Nilesh Mahajan, Dishank Purandare, Rakesh Mishra, Arpana Patil
Polymers, both natural and synthetic, play a critical role in the development of vascular applications due to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and versatility. This chapter explores the use of natural polysaccharides such as collagen, chitosan, and alginate, highlighting their ability to support tissue regeneration and wound healing in vascular contexts. It also examines synthetic polymers like polyethylene glycol (PEG), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyurethane, which offer tunable properties for vascular grafts, stents, and drug delivery systems. The chapter delves into key considerations for biocompatibility, mechanical strength, flexibility, and the development of drug delivery systems with antithrombogenic properties. Additionally, it discusses biodegradable and synthetic vascular grafts, stents, and vascular patches, emphasizing innovations like coatings and modifications to enhance graft performance. The future of vascular applications is closely tied to advances in smart polymers, nanotechnology, and tissue engineering, with emerging fields like 3D bioprinting offering customized, patient-specific solutions. The regulatory, ethical, and economic considerations surrounding the adoption of these polymers are also addressed. By integrating polymers into vascular medicine, this chapter underscores the potential of both natural and synthetic materials to revolutionize the treatment of vascular diseases, driving sustainable and innovative advancements in healthcare.
Keywords
Polymers, Vascular Applications, Biocompatibility, Vascular Grafts, Nanocomposites, Stents Polymer
Published online 2/15/2025, 23 pages
Citation: Satish Polshettiwar, Nilesh Mahajan, Dishank Purandare, Rakesh Mishra, Arpana Patil, Polymers for Vascular Applications, Materials Research Foundations, Vol. 172, pp 358-380, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903353-15
Part of the book on Applications of Polymers in Surgery II
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