Structural design and mechanical analysis of small-caliber bilayer vascular prostheses

Abstract

This research comprehensively addresses the influence of structural properties and polymer type on the mechanical performance of bilayer vascular grafts. The grafts consist of inner layers with randomly distributed polycaprolactone(PCL)/polylactic acid(PLA) or poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone)(PLCL) fibers and an outer layer with radially oriented PLCL fibers, manufactured through a sequential electrospinning process. Highlighted results indicate that tubular scaffolds possess an inner layer ranging in thickness from 62 to 94 µm, while their outer layers vary in thickness from 180 to 296 µm. In addition, radially oriented fibers enhance tensile strength in radial direction (9–11 MPa), while depending on polymer composition and wall thickness proportions of individual layers, tensile strength values change between 2.7 and 7.7 MPa in longitudinal direction. Scaffolds with elastic PCL or PLCL inner layers display higher compliance values (above 1%/mmHg × 10−2).