Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.14
Borate glass fiber (F) that was cut parallel to the longitudinal axis. A
blood vessel was present inside (arrows) growing the length of the fiber (total was
∼
500
μ
m).
with the final hollow form may be a new method of improving healing
of full-thickness segmental bone defects or by acting as a vascular bridge
from an area of high vascular concentration to low.
Figure 6.13 shows an example of solid glass fibers that were implanted
in vivo
for four weeks and formed hollow fibers. Soft tissue was present
inside one of the hollow fibers and blood vessels were identified as well.
Figure 6.14 shows a fiber that was cut parallel to the longitudinal axis
and a blood vessel was found growing inside as further evidence to the
examples in Figure 6.13. The blood vessel (arrows) was
min
length, and had visible red blood cells inside the vessel. In color, the red
blood cells were stained fluorescent green.
∼
500
μ
6.8 DRUG DELIVERY
In situ
drug delivery is an important concept for improving the healing
process while only treating the site of interest. Drugs taken orally or
intravenously are treating the entire body. Releasing pain killers, growth
factors or medications at the needed site allows for potentially higher
doses without harming the entire body. In the case of pain medication,
this reduces the chances of the patient becoming dependent on the drug.
Bioactive borate glasses can be pre-reacted in a phosphate solution and
be made into the same hollow materials described in the previous section.
The HCA formed by the borate glass is porous and can be loaded with a
drug, and, once implanted, the drug will permeate into the surrounding
