Chapter 6: Advanced Nanomaterials for Cardiovascular Implants

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for 31% of global deaths per year, despite considerable diagnostic and therapeutic advances. The management of patients with CVD often requires invasive treatment options, or surgical procedures, combined with placement of an implant, such as a stent, vascular graft, cardiac patch, or heart valve prosthesis. Although the implanted devices effectively alleviate the symptoms of CVD, various issues related to their safety and long-term functionality have been identified in the follow-up clinical studies. In this chapter, advanced nanomaterials that are of particular relevance for improving cardiovascular implants are addressed.