| | The implantation of artificial materials as substitutes for diseased or damaged natural tissue represents a major area of biomedical engineering research. Examples of implantable devices include vascular grafts, artificial hips, coronary stents, and pacemakers. Despite a considerable amount of clinical success, many basic issues dealing with the physiological response to foreign materials have yet to be resolved. In particular, synthetic materials used as components of blood-contacting devices must fulfill stringent requirements with respect to their interactions with blood proteins and cells. Such materials should not, for instance, activate the complement system, cause hemolysis, initiate blood coagulation, induce thrombus formation, or promote infection. In our laboratory we have developed assays to measure each of the above phenomena, and have studied a wide range of materials including polymers, metals, and ceramics. Research projects include protein adsorption and platelet adhesion to polymeric biomaterials, drug-induced thrombocytopenia and shear stress-induced platelet activation and aggregation. |
