Natural Tissue as a Biomaterial

Abstract

Natural tissue has been employed with varying degrees of success in prosthetic devices. A general absence of blood clotting has been experienced. Long-term durability of the materials is related to the preservation methods used and the suitability of the material to the environmental or mechanical conditions imposed on the tissue. In cases where material deterioration was found, it has generally been a gradual occurrence. The most common applications are cardiac valves and vascular prostheses. Natural tissue components are also being employed in artificial organs presently being developed.