ABSTRACT
Upon implantation of a medical device, blood is the fi rst tissue that comes into contact with the implant. This is caused by damage of tissue and blood vessels during the implantation procedure.
Blood will quickly coagulate to prevent excessive blood loss. Formation of blood clots will also occur on the surface of the implant, changing its surface characteristics. Apart from wound healing and tissue regeneration, blood plays a vital role in the immune response toward synthetic materials and devices, delivering cells of the immune system to the site of implantation.
