[Assessment of the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of a new electrospun polyurethane vascular prosthesis].
OBJECTIVE
To develop a small-caliber vascular grafts and study its morphologies, mechanical properties and biocompatibility.


METHODS
The effects of electrospinning conditions on the microstructure and porosity of the resulting scaffolds were investigated for preparation of a small-caliber (4 mm) polyurethane vascular grafts with optimum microstructures and mechanical properties. The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the prepared grafts were evaluated.


RESULTS
The polyurethane vascular grafts showed a three-dimensional reticular structure consisting of nanofibers, with an average porosity of (51.48∓4.47)% and tensile strength of 5.85 ∓ 0.62 MPa. The grafts provided a better long-term support than e-PTFE graft for endothelial cell growth and endothelialization.


CONCLUSIONS
The polyurethane vascular prosthesis possessed favorable microstructures, excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility for potential clinical application.
Department of Vascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. hewei.vi@163.com
Wei
W
He
Zuo-jun
ZJ
Hu
An-wu
AW
Xu
Heng-hui
HH
Yin
Jin-song
JS
Wang
Jie-lian
JL
Ye
Shen-ming
SM
Wang
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013718:Tensile Strength
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011140:Polyurethanes