Researchers at Waterloo Engineering are using a natural material derived from seaweed to promote vascular cell growth, prevent blood clots and improve the performance of synthetic vascular grafts used in heart bypass surgery.
The
new
approach
is
especially
important
in
cases
involving
small
artificial
blood
vessels
-
those
less
than
six
millimetres
in
diameter
-
which
are
prone
to
clots
that
can
develop
into
full
blockages.
“There
is
a
crucial
need
to
develop
synthetic
vascular
graft
materials
that
will
increase
the
rate
of
long-term
functions,”
said Dr.
Evelyn
Yim,
a
chemical
engineering
professor
and
University
Research
Chair
who
leads
the
project.
Go to Seaweed molecules used to improve outcomes for bypass surgery for the full story.
Synthetic grafts made by the researchers at Waterloo Engineering using seaweed molecules.