Multiscale Experimental and Computational Modeling Approaches to Characterize Therapy Delivery to the Heart from an Implantable Epicardial Biomaterial Reservoir.

Delivery of therapeutic-laden biomaterials to the epicardial surface of the heart presents a promising method of treating a variety of diseased conditions by offering targeted, localized release with limited systemic recirculation and enhanced myocardial tissue uptake. A vast range of biomaterials and therapeutic agents using this approach been investigated. However, the fundamental factors that govern transport of the drug molecules from the biomaterials to the tissue are not well understood.