Shape Memory Polymer-Based Endovascular Devices: Design Criteria and Future Perspective

Abstract

Devices for the endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms (ICAs) face limitations related to suboptimal rates of lasting complete occlusion. Incomplete occlusion frequently leads to residual flow within the aneurysm sac, which subsequently causes aneurysm recurrence needing surgical re-operation. An emerging method for improving the rates of complete occlusion both immediately after implant and in the longer run can be the fabrication of patient-specific materials for ICA embolization. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are materials with great potential for this application, owing to their versatile and tunable shape memory properties that can be tailored to a patient’s aneurysm geometry and flow condition. In this review, we first present the state-of-the-art endovascular devices and their limitations in providing long-term complete occlusion. Then, we present methods for the fabrication of SMPs, the most prominent actuation methods for their shape recovery, and the potential of SMPs as endovascular devices for ICA embolization. Although SMPs are a promising alternative for the patient-specific treatment of ICAs, there are still limitations that need to be addressed for their application as an effective coil-free endovascular therapy.

Application of 4D printing and bioprinting in cardiovascular tissue engineering

“…SMP foam is implanted at the site of the aneurysm under compression and, when induced by external factors such as light, the SMP foam expands and can block the abnormal blood supply, to achieve the effect of aneurysm treatment. 84,85 In 2018, the low-density polyurethane-based SMP foam embolization system developed by Shape Memory Medical (Santa Clara, CA) received FDA clearance to be marketed. 86 SMP endovascular thrombectomy devices are easy to use, non-toxic, and less harmful, making them very effective in the treatment of thrombi.…”

Multifunctional properties optimization and stimuli‐responsivity of shape memory polymeric nanoarchitectures and applications

“…SMPs exhibit ease of processability lower cost, biocompatibility and biodegradability prospects, ability for high deformation carriage with propensity to be fabricated into varying architectures. [9][10][11][12][13][14] As a result of these benefits, SMP and their nanoarchitectures, where polymeric matrices function as bonding agents or matrices for fabrication of enclosed particulates, fibrous or other reinforcements properly arranged, exhibit versatile applications. In the aerospace sector, SMPs could be utilized for space environmental appraisal and related examination, as well as deployable space entities including hinges, rover wheels, and antennas.…”

High Energy Release-high Retraction Smart Polymer Fibers used in Artificial Muscle Fabrication

“…Although, their mechanical performance limits their applications in structural sectors, they can find the wider exploitation in areas where mechanical response of the parts is of inferior issue. The latter has paved an avenue toward the utilization of SMPs in bio-medical parts [5,6].…”