FEM Modelling and Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Artificial Blood Vessel

Abstract

This article deals with a study and optimization of technology for a production of low-diameter biodegradable vascular grafts using modified electrospinning device. This production method allows preparation of grafts with diameter under 6 mm, which serve as carriers of tissue cells. Also their production and establishing of a simulation model, which describes their behaviour under internal pressure. For this purpose spinning device was created with a rotary collector, which allows obtaining the desired fiber orientation that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This orientation is necessary for the efficient proliferation of cells and future mechanical properties of artificial blood vessels. Formations created in this way were subjected to mechanical testing. Based on obtained data a suitable material model and FEM model of artificial vessels was established. These vessels were loaded with internal pressure corresponding with standard blood pressure in human body (120/80 mmHg). The results allow assessing the behaviour of the blood vessels during cultivation and proliferation of the cells in bioreactor. This is very important, because in bioreactor a medium, which pulsed under some pressure, is applied. Based on the obtained results were recommended optimization of production process, which led to suitable vessel properties.