Artificial Blood Vessels Research Articles

Education of microsurgical technique for young surgeons by International Society for Experimental Microsurgery West Japan and future prospects

The need for microscopic vascular anastomosis has increased in the field of gastrointestinal surgery. Herein we report the activities for microsurgical training by ISEM West Japan.Since 2015, we have held the Hands-on seminar twice a year using artificial blood vessel. The participants sutured it with 9-0 polypropylene suture under bench microscopes. Competitions for microsurgical arterial anastomosis were held in the seminar, in which we evaluated the anastomosis regarding the leakage and patency.Totally 208 participants attended the hands-on seminar. No relation was seen between the years of surgical experience and the score. However, there was a relation between the number of participation and the score.Through our hands-on seminar, young surgeon could improve technique and motivation for the microsurgery.

Effect of luminal surface structure of decellularized aorta on thrombus formation and cell behavior.

Due to an increasing number of cardiovascular diseases, artificial heart valves and blood vessels have been developed. Although cardiovascular applications using decellularized tissue have been studied, the mechanisms of their functionality remain unknown. To determine the important factors for preparing decellularized cardiovascular prostheses that show good in vivo performance, the effects of the luminal surface structure of the decellularized aorta on thrombus formation and cell behavior were investigated. Various luminal surface structures of a decellularized aorta were prepared by heating, drying, and peeling. The luminal surface structure and collagen denaturation were evaluated by immunohistological staining, collagen hybridizing peptide (CHP) staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. To evaluate the effects of luminal surface structure of decellularized aorta on thrombus formation and cell behavior, blood clotting tests and recellularization of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were performed. The results of the blood clotting test showed that the closer the luminal surface structure is to the native aorta, the higher the anti-coagulant property. The results of the cell seeding test suggest that vascular cells recognize the luminal surface structure and regulate adhesion, proliferation, and functional expression accordingly. These results provide important factors for preparing decellularized cardiovascular prostheses and will lead to future developments in decellularized cardiovascular applications.

3D Bioprinting of Reinforced Vessels by Dual-Cross-linked Biocompatible Hydrogels.

3D bioprinting offers a powerful tool to fabricate vessel channels in tissue engineering applications, but inadequate strength of the vascular walls limited the development of this strategy and reinforced channels were highly desired for vascular constructions. Herein, we demonstrated a dual cross-linking system for 3D bioprinting of tubular structures, achieved by a combination of photo-cross-linking and enzymatic cross-linking. Photo-cross-linking of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) was achieved with a photoactive conjugated polymer PBF under 550 nm irradiation. Enzymatic cross-linking utilized cascade reactions catalyzed by glucose peroxidase and horseradish peroxidase that can cross-link both methacrylate and tyrosine moieties of GelMA. After removing the 3D-printed sacrificial layer (Pluronic F-127), the obtained perfusable channels showed great biocompatibility that allowed endothelial cells to adhere and proliferate. Our dual cross-linking strategy has great potential in 3D bioprinting of tubular structure for biomedical applications, especially for artificial blood vessels.

A case of simultaneous laparoscopic surgery for double cancer comprising multiple early gastric cancer and advanced sigmoid colon cancer after revascularization

BackgroundTraditionally, the surgery for simultaneous double cancer of the stomach and colon required a large incision to the upper and lower region of the abdomen. In this case, an artificial blood vessel was located under the skin after revascularization. Considering ischemia due to graft compression by incision retractor during laparotomy, this was difficult to do. This is a report on laparoscopic surgery for simultaneous double cancer of the stomach and colon after revascularization.Case presentationA 69-year-old man had early gastric cancer and advanced sigmoid colon cancer. He had suffered from thromboangitis obliterans and has undergone revascularization many times due to poor blood flow in his lower limbs. He had had some artificial blood vessels inserted under the skin, confirmed by blood vessel construction image by preoperative computed tomography (CT). There was a bypass vessel from the left axillary artery to the left femoral artery under the skin of the left thoracoabdominal. In addition, there were two bypass vessels from the left external iliac artery to the right femoral artery under the skin of the lower abdomen. One of the two bypasses was occluded. In the blood flow to the intestinal tract, the inferior mesenteric artery was already occluded. Peripheral blood flow in the common iliac artery depended on blood flow from the artificial blood vessel, and blood flow from the internal iliac artery to the rectum was poor. Laparoscopic Hartmann’s operation was performed for Stage II B (UICC 8th Edition) sigmoid colon cancer. Because the blood flow in the intestinal tract on the anal side was poor, we thought that anastomosis was at a high risk for leakage. Laparoscopic total gastrectomy was also performed simultaneously for two Stage I (UICC 8th edition) gastric cancers in the cardia and body. The location of the port site and stoma was carefully determined preoperatively to prevent damage and infection to the artificial blood vessels. Minimal invasive surgery was performed using laparoscopic surgery.ConclusionsLaparoscopic surgery with small incisions is useful for patients with double cancer who need an approach to the upper and lower abdomen. Furthermore, laparoscopic surgery has less interference on graft in patients with artificial blood vessels under the skin by intraperitoneal approach.

Electrospun Shape Memory Polymer Micro-/Nanofibers and Tailoring Their Roles for Biomedical Applications.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) as a relatively new class of smart materials have gained increasing attention in academic research and industrial developments (e.g., biomedical engineering, aerospace, robotics, automotive industries, and smart textiles). SMPs can switch their shape, stiffness, size, and structure upon being exposed to external stimuli. Electrospinning technique can endow SMPs with micro-/nanocharacteristics for enhanced performance in biomedical applications. Dynamically changing micro-/nanofibrous structures have been widely investigated to emulate the dynamical features of the ECM and regulate cell behaviors. Structures such as core-shell fibers, developed by coaxial electrospinning, have also gained potential applications as drug carriers and artificial blood vessels. The clinical applications of micro-/nanostructured SMP fibers include tissue regeneration, regulating cell behavior, cell growth templates, and wound healing. This review presents the molecular architecture of SMPs, the recent developments in electrospinning techniques for the fabrication of SMP micro-/nanofibers, the biomedical applications of SMPs as well as future perspectives for providing dynamic biomaterials structures.

Robust and Antiswelling Hollow Hydrogel Tube with Antibacterial and Antithrombotic Ability for Emergency Vascular Replacement.

Infection and thrombosis are the two major complications in almost any indwelling intravascular catheters, leading to adverse consequences. Here, we report a robust and antiswelling hollow hydrogel tube that is prepared by copolymerizing a hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) monomer and a zinc methacrylate (ZMA) monomer in the absence of any chemical cross-linker. The strong H-bonding interactions from the side chain of N-acryloylsemicarbazide (NASC) endow the hydrogel with high mechanical strength and swelling stability. Introduction of ZMA affords a superhydrophilic surface, and the release of a zinc ion (Zn2+) from the hydrogel can kill nearly 100% both of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, indicating its excellent antibacterial ability. Importantly, the P(NASC-co-ZMA) hydrogel exhibits better antithrombosis ability due to the resistant adhesion of fibrinogen protein and platelets, as well binding calcium ions (Ca2+) from the blood. The hydrogel tube is used to connect the ex vivo arteriovenous shunt circuit or implanted into the left carotid artery in the rabbit model, showing a better patency rate. All of these results suggest that this hydrogel tube may mitigate infection and thrombosis complications, thus holding potential as an artificial blood vessel for emergency vascular replacement.

The Normal and Brain Tumor Vasculature: Morphological and Functional Characteristics and Therapeutic Targeting.

Glioblastoma is among the most common tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Overall survival has not significantly improved over the last decade, even with optimizing standard therapeutic care including extent of resection and radio- and chemotherapy. In this article, we review features of the brain vasculature found in healthy cerebral tissue and in glioblastoma. Brain vessels are of various sizes and composed of several vascular cell types. Non-vascular cells such as astrocytes or microglia also interact with the vasculature and play important roles. We also discuss in vitro engineered artificial blood vessels which may represent useful models for better understanding the tumor–vessel interaction. Finally, we summarize results from clinical trials with anti-angiogenic therapy alone or in combination, and discuss the value of these approaches for targeting glioblastoma.

A Review on Production, Characterization and Application of Bacterial Cellulose and Its Biocomposites

Bacterial cellulose (BC) can be produced by an agitated or static fermentation process in presence of suitable media. Groups of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and algae are responsible for the synthesis of BC. Under agitated cultivation, BC yield is enhanced as compared to static cultivation. BC is pure cellulose, so it can easily interact with hydrophilic or hydrophobic biopolymers. In this review paper, we have discussed the preparation and characterization of BC reinforced biopolymer (polylactic acid, cellulosic fibers, agar, and Mater-Bi) based biocomposites and biopolymer (natural rubber, chitosan, polycaprolactone, hydroxyapatite) reinforced BC-based biocomposites related research carried out in last 2 decades. The high moisture content of BC results in reduced compatibility to most hydrophobic biopolymers as compared to hydrophilic biopolymers. Mechanical properties of BC before and after reinforcement were compared as it is important parameters in the production of green composites with targeted application in tissue engineering, wound dressing, dental implants, artificial blood vessels, surgical mesh, bone fillings, heart valve, and artificial cartilage. This review paper will help in exploring various applications of BC-based biocomposites in addition to several parameters that affect the production of BC.

Characterization and biocompatibility evaluation of artificial blood vessels prepared from pristine poly (Ethylene-glycol-co-1,4-cyclohexane dimethylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate), poly (1, 4 cyclohexane di-methylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate) nanofibers and their blended composition

Herein, we prepared three-dimensional artificial blood vessels (ABV) from electrospun pristine Poly (Ethylene-glycol-co-1,4-Cyclohexane di-methylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate) (PEICT), Poly (1, 4 cyclohexane di-methylene-co-isosorbide terephthalate) (PICT) and their blend (BLEND) nanofibers for the first time with three different cross-sectional diameters (0.9, 1.5 and 2.0) mm. Biocompatibility was evaluated by culturing Human Breast Epithelial Cells (MCF-10A) on all samples. Interestingly, collective properties of PICT and PEICT were distinctively imparted onto the surface of BLEND ABVs without reliance upon any special surface treatment. BLEND showed an enhanced wettability and a smooth and compacted morphology making them suitable to hold more (MCF-10A) cells compared to pristine PICT and PEICT. Additionally, BLEND achieved a maximum biodegradation rate as well as the special feature of tensile strength tunability, which reveals its potential and suitability for vascular regeneration and cell culture applications.

Implantation of air-dried bacterial nanocellulose conduits in a small-caliber vascular prosthesis rabbit model

There are no small-caliber (<6 mm) vascular prostheses so far commercially available around the globe. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is considered a promising material for small-caliber artificial blood vessel applications. Although BNC hydrogel-like (BNC-Gel) materials possess a 3D network structure, facilitating nutrient exchange when used as vascular prostheses, they are difficult to suture during surgery due to their softness. Furthermore, a water content greater than 99% prevents the material from convenient methods of preservation and transport. Air-drying the BNC (BNC-Dry) would solve these problems. The comparative morphology, mechanical properties, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility of the BNC-Gel and BNC-Dry conduits of 3 mm in diameter were recorded in the present study, the results indicating that the mechanical properties, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility of BNC-Dry conduits were superior to conduits of BNC-Gel. Forty-six days after replacement of the carotid artery in New Zealand white rabbits, the BNC-Dry conduits remained patent. Composite blood vessels composed of cellulose and autologous tissue were harvested for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Sections demonstrated that the outer walls of the conduits were wrapped with autologous tissue. Contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were observed on the outer surface of the conduit, similar to that observed in natural blood vessels. BNC-Dry conduits exhibited excellent performance and possessed properties convenient for surgical applications as small-diameter blood vessels.

Parallel Plate Flow Chamber Device for Evaluation of Cell Retention of Electrospun Zein Fiber Film Under Steady Shear

Shear stress environment is an important factor in the study of vascular tissue engineering. It is a key issue to improve the adhesion ability of endothelial cells in shear stress environment to format a complete monolayer of endothelial cells on the inner surface of the artificial blood vessel. This study uses electrospinning technology to construct a zein film with nano structure to provide basement membrane for cell retention study. Two parallel plate flow chamber devices are designed to simulate the fluid environment of the blood vessel to compare the adhesion ability of EA.hy926 and L929 cells on the fiber film under shear stress. From the data of cell retention, we find that the shear stress in each hole of 6-hole device is much uniform than that of 18-hole device. This optimized 6-hole device can be used to compare the anti-detaching ability of cells between various surfaces.

Effects of the micro/nanostructure of electrospun zein fibres on cells in simulated blood flow environment

In order to prevent thrombosis, reduce intima hyperplasia, and to maintain long-term patency after implantation of an artificial blood vessel, the formation of intact endothelial cells layer on an inner surface of graft is desirable. The present study aimed to improve endothelial cell adhesion by regulating the morphology of the inner surface of artificial blood vessels. Zein fibre membranes with three fibre diameters (small, ~100 nm; medium, ~500 nm; and large, ~1000 nm) were constructed by electrospinning. A flow chamber device was designed to simulate the blood flow environment. The morphology and adhesion of human umbilical vein fusion cells (EA.hy926) on the surface of the fibre membranes were studied under a shear stress of approximately 15 dynes/cm2. The results showed that oriented electrospun zein fibre surfaces with both medium- and large-diameter fibres can regulate the morphology of endothelial cells (EA.hy926), which are aligned by the fibre direction. The three fibre membranes improved the adhesion of endothelial cells significantly compared to that on the flat membrane. When the fibre direction was fixed parallel to the fluid direction, the medium-diameter oriented-fibre membrane could significantly improve the ability endothelial cells to resist shear stress, and there was a significant difference at 1, 2 and 4 h time points compared with the shear stress resistance on the small-diameter and large-diameter oriented-fibre membranes. When the fibre direction was perpendicular to the fluid direction, again the medium-diameter oriented-fibre membrane improved the ability of endothelial cells to resist shear stress significantly at 1 and 2 h time points. It was concluded that by changing the diameter and arrangement of electrospun fibres, cell morphology control and shear stress resistance can be achieved.

A Three-Dimensional Microfluidic Device for Monitoring Cancer and Chemotherapy-Associated Platelet Activation.

Platelet activation and the risk of thrombosis are increased in cancer patients, especially after chemotherapy. Our previous studies indicated that chemotherapy-induced platelet activation is largely due to endothelial cell damage. Thus, simple in vitro tests, such as aggregometry, are not desirable tests to predict platelet responsiveness to different chemotherapeutic agents because other contributory factors, such as tumor cells, endothelial cells, and the flow rate of platelets, also contribute to the formation of cancer-associated thrombosis. Therefore, developing a platelet detection system, which includes all possible risk parameters, is necessary. In the present study, we described a microengineered microfluidic system that contained a drug concentration generator, cancer cell culture chip, and three-dimensional (3D) circular microvascular model covered with a confluent endothelial layer and perfused with human platelets at a stable flow rate. Doxorubicin was injected through two injection sites. Endothelial cell injury was evaluated by counting, cell cytoskeleton observation, and the level of IACM1 and ET-1 in endothelial cells or a culture medium. Prestained platelets were perfused into the artificial blood vessel, and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion was measured. We found that (i) MCF7 cell-released factors had a cytotoxicity effect on both endothelial cells and platelets. (ii) We confirmed that doxorubicin-induced platelet activation was endothelial cell-dependent. (iii) A lower dosage of doxorubicin (0–2.0 μM) induced platelet activation, while a higher dosage of doxorubicin (2.0–4.0 μM) led to platelet death. Our findings indicated that platelet-endothelial cell adhesion could be used as a diagnostic marker of platelet activation, providing a simple and rapid detective way to predict platelet responsiveness before or during chemotherapy.

Development of Small-Diameter Elastin-Silk Fibroin Vascular Grafts.

Globally, increasing mortality from cardiovascular disease has become a problem in recent years. Vascular replacement has been used as a treatment for these diseases, but with blood vessels <6 mm in diameter, existing vascular grafts made of synthetic polymers can be occluded by thrombus formation or intimal hyperplasia. Therefore, the development of new artificial vascular grafts is desirable. In this study, we developed an elastin (EL)–silk fibroin (SF) double-raschel knitted vascular graft 1.5 mm in diameter. Water-soluble EL was prepared from insoluble EL by hydrolysis with oxalic acid. Compared to SF, EL was less likely to adhere to platelets, while vascular endothelial cells were three times more likely to adhere. SF artificial blood vessels densely packed with porous EL were fabricated, and these prevented the leakage of blood from the graft during implantation, while the migration of cells after implantation was promoted. Several kinds of 13C solid-state NMR spectra were observed with the EL–SF grafts in dry and hydrated states. It was noted that the EL molecules in the graft had very high mobility in the hydrated state. The EL–SF grafts were implanted into the abdominal aorta of rats to evaluate their patency and remodeling ability. No adverse reactions, such as bleeding at the time of implantation or disconnection of the sutured ends, were observed in the implanted grafts, and all were patent at the time of extraction. In addition, vascular endothelial cells were present on the graft's luminal surface 2 weeks after implantation. Therefore, we conclude that EL–SF artificial vascular grafts may be useful where small-diameter grafts are required.

Design and characterization of small-diameter tissue-engineered blood vessels constructed by electrospun polyurethane-core and gelatin-shell coaxial fiber

ABSTRACT Substitution or bypass is the most effective treatment for vascular occlusive diseases. The demand for artificial blood vessels has seen an unprecedented rise due to the limited supply of autologous blood vessels. Tissue engineering is the best approach to provide artificial blood vessels. In this study, a new type of small-diameter artificial blood vessel with good mechanical and biological properties was designed by using electrospinning coaxial fibers. Four groups of coaxial fibers vascular membranes having polyurethane/gelatin core-shell structure were cross-linked by the EDC-NHS system and characterized. The core-shell structure of the coaxial vascular fibers was observed by transmission electron microscope. After the crosslinking, the stress and elastic modulus increased and the elongation decreased, burst pressure of 0.11 group reached the maximum (2844.55 ± 272.65 mmHg) after cross-linking, which acted as the experimental group. Masson staining identified blue-stained ring or elliptical gelatin ingredients in the vascular wall. The cell number in the vascular wall of the coaxial group was found in muscle embedding experiment significantly higher than that of the non-coaxial group at all time points(p < 0.001). Our results showed that the coaxial vascular graft with the ratio of 0.2:0.11 had better mechanical properties (burst pressure reached 2844.55 ± 272.65 mmHg); Meanwhile its biological properties were also outstanding, which was beneficial to cell entry and offered good vascular remodeling performance. Polyurethane (PU); Gelatin (Gel); Polycaprolactone (PCL); polylactic acid (PLA);1-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC); N-Hydroxy succinimide (NHS); 4-Morpholine-ethane-sulfonic (MES); phosphate buffered saline (PBS); fetal calf serum (FCS); Minimum Essential Medium (MEM); Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); hematoxylin-eosin (HE).

Automatic Puncture into Artificial Blood Vessel Considering Simplified Refraction of Light

Automatic Puncture into Artificial Blood Vessel Considering Simplified Refraction of Light

A massive dose of allogeneic platelet gel for wound hemostatic therapy on patients with giant thoracic aortic aneurysm: report of 2 cases

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet gel (PG) has been widely used in clinical treatment. Allogeneic PRP or PG may also become a safe and effective alternative method. In this study, two cases with giant thoracic aortic aneurysm were reported where massive doses of allogeneic PG were used to spray the thoracic aortic aneurysm wall suture wrapped in artificial blood vessels, tumors blood vessel wall anastomotic site, and incision site of surgical operation. The volumes of 220 mL and 250 mL PG were applied on two patients respectively, to clot bleeding and decrease the mediastinal and pericardial drainage days after operation. The drainage tubes were pulled out on the 4th day after operation. The patients were transferred from ICU to a cardiothoracic surgery ward on the 4th and 5th day respectively. This study suggests that allogeneic platelet concentrate, as a source of PRP to prepare PG, may be used to promote and help the clotting and wound healing on surgical operation.

A four-channel air pressure cooperative control system for 3-D bio-printing device

In recent years, the research and development of 3D bioprinting device for artificial blood vessels has attracted great attention of researchers. In this paper, the research object is the control system of 3D bioprinting device for artificial blood vessel and the four-channel air pressure cooperative control technology for 3D bioprinting device double nozzles printing is mainly studied. Through the scheme design, working principle innovation, hardware selection and air pressure output calibration experiment of four-way air pressure cooperative control system, the hardware platform of 3D bioprinting device air pressure control system is built. Then, by using the embedded TwinCAT NC PTP software platform based on EtherCAT Ethernet bus protocol, the four-channel air pressure cooperative control is programmed and field experiments are carried out, which realizes the printing process of uniform liquid output and good continuity, and meets the requirements of 3D bioprinting for printing continuity and forming quality. The study of four-channel air pressure cooperative control system in this course is a worthy of application and promotion control method.

Soft Substrate Induces Endothelial Cell Inflammation and Disrupts Endothelium Integrity

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main cause of death and disability all over the world. A lot of efforts have been devoted to treat AS, among which tissue engineering blood vessel materials, including artificial blood vessels, stents and vascular patches, have brought hope to ameliorate the symptoms in AS patients. However, there remains a large percentage of implantation failure due to the incompatibility of the material with the body. AS is a multi-factor related disease, and chronic inflammation is a major event that involves with its pathogenesis and development. Since previous studies suggested that the stiffness of the blood vessel might affect the inflammatory conditions, in this paper, we investigate the mechanism of how substrate stiffness could affect the inflammation response of the endothelial cells (ECs). Polyacrylamide (PA) based hydrogels at different concentrations were used as the culture substrate for ECs. The mRNA expression level of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was determined by qRT-PCR. EC chemotactic effect was evaluated by the number of THP-1 adhered to EC monolayer. The protein levels of IκBα and NF-κB were determined by western blotting analysis. The expression and localization of the major adherens junctions (AJs) proteins, VE-cadherin and β-catenin, were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Our results showed that ECs cultured on soft substrate (1 kPa) demonstrated more chemotactic effect and the amount of the monocytes adhered to them was higher than that on harder substrate (20 kPa, p < 0.05). Moreover, NF-κB signaling pathway in ECs on 1 kPa substrate was more activated compared to those on 20 kPa substrate, with the IκBα protein expression level in the cytoplasm decreasing and NF-κB translocating more into the nuclear. In addition, the AJs of the endothelial monolayer changed with the substrate stiffness. Compared with ECs on normal substrate (20 kPa), the protein expression level of β-catenin decreased (p < 0.05), and immunofluorescence staining of VE-cadherin and β-catenin showed the AJs between the ECs on soft substrate (1 kPa) were punctuated. Taken together, our results suggested the stiffness of the substrate was important in regulating inflammation of the ECs and the integrity of the cell-cell junction. Therefore, the stiffness of the tissue engineering blood vessel material should be considered as an important criterium to avoid EC inflammation.

Poly(glyceryl sebacate)/silk fibroin small-diameter artificial blood vessels with good elasticity and compliance

Small-diameter artificial blood vessels do not match the compliance of the host blood vessels after transplantation, will directly affect the blood compatibility of small-diameter artificial blood vessels and resulting in problems such as thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia that can lead to transplantation failure. Since the compliance of small-diameter artificial blood vessels is directly related to the elasticity of the component materials, the poly(glyceryl sebacate) (PGS), a type of bioelastomer, and silk fibroin (SF) were blended to fabricate small-diameter artificial blood vessels by electrospinning. The morphology, structure, elasticity, tensile properties, suture retention strength, compliance, and in vitro degradation and biological properties of the samples were studied. Results showed that the small-diameter artificial blood vessel samples were composed of micro-fibers or nano-fibers, and had satisfactory compliance and elasticity. The compliance of the PGS/SF (70/30) samples was 3.58 %/100 ​mmHg, which were higher than or comparable to natural blood vessels. The results of radial cyclic tensile tests showed that the energy loss per cycle of PGS/SF tubular samples was very low. Adding PGS accelerated the degradation rate of small-diameter artificial blood vessel samples, and PGS/SF electrospun small-diameter artificial blood vessel samples promoted the adhesion and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The samples’ anticoagulant performance were also increased after adding heparin. PGS/SF blends have potential advantages in the preparation of small-diameter artificial blood vessels that can meet the requirements of elasticity and compliance.