Advances in Cardiovascular Engineering : Springer : 9781441932280 : 1441932283 : 19 Nov 2010 : Advances of cardiovascular engineering prompt one to consider innovative device technology - that is, the development of new replacement heart valves or engineering of a totally implantable energy source for an artificial heart. However, these kinds of advances have often proved unable to achieve a long-lasting benefit as the cardiovascular field has matured so fast. Cardiovascular engineering has matured to the point where a major innovation must not only function, but must continuously function better than existing devices. This is difficult to accomplish in the complex cardiovasculature system, in which energy source, biocompatibility, compliance, and functionality all must be considered. The maturation of the field is evident from the fact that many engineered prosthetic systems perform well - for example, heart valves function for long periods of time, large-vessel vascular grafts are qu