Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a vascular disease that affects medium and small diameter blood
vessels. It is the main cause of coronary occlusions, aortic aneurysms and gangrene.
Although synthetic grafts like Dacron and Teflon grafts are effective in large diameter
vascular reconstructions, these materials can not be used as small diameter blood
vessels substitutes. Autologous veins and arteries are currently used as main
substitutes for these replacements, but often the lack of grafts of suitable size and their
limited supply are a major problem. In recent years, more and more research is
focused on tissue engineering to construct functional small diameter vascular grafts.
Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of
engineering and life sciences towards the reconstruction or development of biological
substitutes that restore, maintain or improve tissue function. The aim of the research
presented in this thesis is to develop tissue engineered small diameter blood vessels
using poly(trimethylene carbonate) scaffolds. These materials can withstand pulsating
physiological pressures and allow the culturing of smooth muscle cells under dynamic
conditions. This should allow the constructs to be successfully implanted.
Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution |
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Award date | 6 Nov 2009 |
Place of Publication | Enschede |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 978-90-365-2825-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Nov 2009 |