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A combined method for bilayered vascular graft fabrication
Tamer Al Kayal1, Devid Maniglio, Walter Bonani
1Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Aurelia Sud, 54100, Massa, Italy, alkayal.tamer@ifc.cnr.it.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|February 6, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bilayered synthetic vascular graft using electrospinning and spray-coating techniques. This innovative graft aims to improve small-diameter vessel repair by promoting tissue regeneration and preventing leakage.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Autologous saphenous vein is the preferred conduit for peripheral bypass surgery.
- Synthetic grafts (polyethylene terephthalate, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) are limited to large-diameter vessels and fail in small diameters (<6 mm).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel bilayered synthetic vascular graft for small-diameter peripheral bypass.
- To create a graft capable of hosting endothelial cells and supporting tunica media regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a bilayered graft using electrospinning for the inner layer and spray, phase-inversion for the outer layer.
- Assessment of graft morphology, thickness, fiber size, pore size, and layer adhesion strength.
Main Results:
- A nanostructured composite graft was successfully manufactured.
- The graft features a homogeneous microporous layer firmly attached to an electrospun nanofibrous layer.
- The combination of techniques allowed for tuning mechanical properties and porosity.
Conclusions:
- The developed bilayered synthetic vascular graft shows potential for in situ tissue regeneration in small-diameter vessels.
- Optimizing mechanical properties and porosity is key to preventing blood leakage and enhancing graft performance.
- This nanostructured composite graft offers a promising alternative to current synthetic vascular prostheses for small-diameter bypass.
