Abstract
Acute thrombosis remains the main limitation of small-diameter vascular grafts (inner diameter <6 mm) for bridging and bypassing of small arteries defects and occlusion. The use of hydrogel tubes represents a promising strategy. However, their low mechanical strength and high swelling tendency may limit their further application. In the present study, a hydrogel vascular graft of Ca alginate/polyacrylamide reinforced with a braided fiber strut was designed and fabricated with the assistance of a customized casting mold. Morphology, structure, swellability, mechanical properties, cyto- and hemocompatibility of the reinforced graft were characterized. The results showed that the reinforced graft was transparent and robust, with a smooth surface. Scanning electron microscopic examination confirmed a uniform porous structure throughout the hydrogel. The swelling of the reinforced grafts could be controlled to 100%, obtaining clinically satisfactory mechanical properties. In particular, the dynamic circumferential compliance reached (1.7 ± 0.1)%/100 mmHg for 50–90 mmHg, a value significantly higher than that of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts. Biological tests revealed that the reinforced graft was non-cytotoxic and had a low hemolysis percentage (HP) corresponding to (0.9 ± 0.2)%. In summary, the braided fiber-reinforced hydrogel vascular grafts demonstrated both physical and biological superiority, suggesting their suitability for vascular grafts.
Highlights
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of human mortality worldwide, and the population of CVD patients has been increasing exponentially [1,2]
The results showed that the swelling ratios of all four types of hydrogels increased as a function of the immersion
A braided Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tubular strut-reinforced Ca alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogel vascular graft was fabricated with the assistance of a customized 3D casting mold
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of human mortality worldwide, and the population of CVD patients has been increasing exponentially [1,2]. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are the most commonly used materials for large-diameter vascular grafts, such as an endovascular stent and graft [3,4]. Small-diameter vascular grafts (inner diameter
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.