Exploitation of Vascular Mechanobiology for Therapy Innovations

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the recent endeavors taken by bioengineers to exploit mechanobiology for the improvement of existing cardiovascular treatments and the development of novel strategies in cardiovascular therapy. It starts with a summary of mechanobiological mechanisms that can be utilized as the foundations for the development of future cardiovascular therapies. This is followed by discussing how mechanobiology has been or will be exploited to change various cardiovascular therapeutic strategies, which include vascular devices such as stent and graft, medication, regenerative medicine, disease management, and preventions for cardiovascular diseases. For each therapeutic strategy, mechanobiological applications in its existing treatment options, emerging approaches, explanation of treatment outcomes, and/or addressing prominent problems or needs are examined.