Functional Assessment of Hybrid Conduits for Biomedical Applications-A Pilot Study

Hybrid materials, combining synthetic and biological components, leverage the biocompatibility of biological tissues-even after decellularization-alongside the mechanical strength, durability, and impermeability of synthetic polymers. This study presents the functional assessment of two hybrid conduits developed by coupling decellularized porcine pericardium and decellularized swine intestinal submucosa with a commercial polycarbonate urethane, intended for use as vascular and urinary substitutes, respectively. The response of the hybrid conduits to pulsatile flow was evaluated under physiologically relevant conditions in terms of pressure and flow rate. Their ability to withstand cyclic dilations was assessed using a dedicated image processing method that integrates classical approaches with AI-based segmentation techniques. Mechanical tests were also performed before and after hydrodynamic testing to investigate the potential effects of two different fluids-distilled water and simulated body fluid-on the hybrid materials following cyclic hydrodynamic stimulation. The results demonstrate that hybrid conduits deserve to be subjected to further evaluations to prove their potential use as substitutes in vascular and urological surgical applications.