REVIEW ARTICLE
Application and clinical significance of biomaterials in vascular prostheses, stents, and artificial heart valves
1
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
2
III Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
3
Faculty of Medical Science, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Submission date: 2025-03-04
Final revision date: 2025-08-20
Acceptance date: 2025-08-25
Online publication date: 2026-09-18
Corresponding author
Karolina Blady
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Progress in cardiology, cardiac surgery, and vascular surgery focuses on improving biomaterials used in stents, vascular prostheses, and heart valves. Material selection determines durability, biocompatibility, and the risk of complications. Newer generations of drug-eluting stents (DES) with thinner struts and improved polymers show greater safety than bare-metal stents (BMS) and early DES. Stent-grafts, combining a stent with a vascular prosthesis, are used for aneurysms and other vessel diseases. Vascular prostheses of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and Dacron remain standard, while surface modifications and tissue engineering aim to enhance haemocompatibility and limit infections. Mechanical valves offer durability but require lifelong anticoagulation, whereas biological valves provide better compatibility at the cost of shorter longevity. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) offers a less invasive option for high-risk patients. Emerging polymers, such as polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), together with tissue-engineering approaches, open perspectives for more durable implants, fewer complications, and improved quality of life.
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| eISSN: | 2300-6722 |
| ISSN: | 1899-1874 |
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