Hydrogel small-diameter vascular graft reinforced with a braided fiber strut with improved mechanical properties

Guoping Guan, Chenglong Yu, Meiyi Xing, Yufen Wu, Xingyou Hu, Hongjun Wang, Lu Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number810
JournalPolymers
Volume11
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2019

Keywords

  • Braided fiber strut
  • Hydrogel
  • Mechanical property
  • Swellability
  • Vascular graft

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