Book excerpt: Advances in Cardiovascular Technology: New Devices and Concepts is a comprehensive reference for cardiovascular devices of all types. For engineers, this book provides a basic understanding of underlying pathologies and their prevalence/incidence. It also covers what devices are available, how they are clinically used, and their impact on pathophysiology. In addition, the book presents the constraints imposed on device design and manufacture by the environment in which it is used (e.g., exposure to tissues within the body, blood in particular) and the primary requirements for each specific type of device, including its durability and resistance to fatigue. For clinicians, this book contains information on primary engineering challenges, the types of devices available, their advantages and disadvantages, and the (current and emerging) tools and materials available to device designers. Covers innovative procedures and devices in cardiovascular technology Gives an overview of the state-of-the-art technology and a view to the future Features contributions from engineers, clinicians and researchers, taking an interdisciplinary view of the field