Polyurethanes for cardiac applications

Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy Corresponding author gianluca.ciardelli polito.it 

In atherosclerosis, fatty material and cholesterol are deposited inside the lumen of medium- and large-sized blood vessels (arteries). Eventually, the plaque can rupture, triggering the formation of a blood clot. If the blood clot develops in the brain, it can cause a stroke if it develops in a coronary artery, it can cause a vessel occlusion and consequently a heart attack the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle is reduced and the contractile muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) die within the blood-deprived myocardium. The tissue becomes necrotic and cardiac performances are impaired. 

Aortic diseases can be classified in aortic enlargement (aneurysms) or tears (dissections) and in either case, the rupture may have fatal results. Aging can lead to atherosclerosis of the aorta with involvement of the aortic valve. This may result in valvular stenosis, regurgitation, aneurysm formation, and acute dissections. 

Peripheral vascular diseases (PVDs) are circulation disorders that affect blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. PVD typically strikes the veins and arteries that supply the arms, legs, and organs located below the stomach. These vessels are distant from the heart and they are known as peripheral vessels. 

Cardiomyopathies are diseases of an abnormal heart muscle. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart becomes weaker and the chambers get larger. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick. Ischemic cardiomyopathy is caused by a narrowing of the arteries that 

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