Hemodynamic aspects of reduced platelet adhesion on bioinspired microstructured surfaces.

Occlusion by thrombosis due to the absence of the endothelial cell layer is one of the most frequent causes of failure of artificial vascular grafts. Bioinspired surface structures may have a potential to reduce the adhesion of platelets contributing to hemostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic aspects of platelet adhesion, the main cause of thrombosis, on bioinspired microstructured surfaces mimicking the endothelial cell morphology.

Quantitative characterization of endothelial cell morphologies depending on shear stress in different blood vessels of domestic pigs using a focused ion beam and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM).

Microstructured surfaces mimicking the endothelial cell (EC) morphology is a new approach to improve the blood compatibility of synthetic vascular grafts. The ECs are capable of changing their shapes depending on different shear conditions. However, the quantitative correlation between EC morphology and shear stress has not yet been investigated statistically.

[Another genetic cause of sudden cardiac death].

Mutations in the Lamin A/C gene (LMNA) are a new part of the spectrum of genes responsible for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Relatives of SCD-cases should receive counselling, clinical assessment and perhaps molecular screening. The consequence of being an LMNA mutation carrier is discussed with regard to counselling and prophylactic measures.