Stirred, shaken, or stagnant: What goes on at the blood-biomaterial interface

Abstract

There is a widely recognized need to improve the performance of vascular implants and external medical devices that come into contact with blood by reducing adverse reactions they cause, such as thrombosis and inflammation. These reactions lead to major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Currently, they are managed therapeutically. This need remains unmet by the biomaterials research community. Recognized stagnation of the blood–biomaterial interface research translates into waning interest from clinicians, funding agencies, and practitioners of adjacent fields. The purpose of this contribution is to stir things up. It follows the 2014 BloodSurf meeting (74th International IUVSTA Workshop on Blood–Biomaterial Interactions), offers reflections on the situation in the field, and a three-pronged strategy integrating different perspectives on the biological mechanisms underlying blood–biomaterial interactions. The success of this strategy depends on reengaging clinicians and on the renewed cooperation of the funding agencies to support long-term efforts.