First clinical use of bioabsorbable vascular grafts in children shows promise
Tuesday, May 17, 2016 - 14:20
in Health & Medicine
Current cardiovascular valve or blood vessel implants are generally associated with a number of complications, have limited efficacy over time, and may necessitate repeated interventions over a patient's lifetime, especially when implanted in a young child. Researchers report success with implantation of bioabsorbable vascular grafts used to correct a congenital cardiac malformation. Over time, the grafts are designed to biodegrade as a patient's own cells and proteins reconstitute natural functioning tissue, thus reducing permanent implant-related complications.