Smart materials in cardiovascular implants: Shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers

Smart materials have intrinsic properties that change in a controlled fashion in response to external stimuli. Currently, the only smart materials with a significant clinical impact in cardiovascular implant design are shape memory alloys, particularly Nitinol. Recent prodigious progress in material science has resulted in the development of sophisticated shape memory polymers. In this article, we have reviewed the literature and outline the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers which are relevant to clinical cardiovascular applications, and describe the potential of these smart materials for applications in coronary stents and transcatheter valves.

Automated summary

This article reviews the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers for clinical cardiovascular applications, highlighting their potential in coronary stents and transcatheter valves. The development of smart materials in cardiovascular implant design offers new possibilities for improving patient outcomes and could have significant clinical impact in the future.