Manufacturing and validation of small-diameter vascular grafts: A mini review
Deyanira Hernandez-Sanchez,
Maxime Comtois-Bona,
Marcelo Muñoz,
Marc Ruel,
Erik J. Suuronen,
Emilio I. Alarcon
Affiliations
Deyanira Hernandez-Sanchez
BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
Maxime Comtois-Bona
BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
Marcelo Muñoz
BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada
Marc Ruel
BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada; Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada; Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H8M5, Canada
Erik J. Suuronen
BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada; Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa ON K1H8M5, Canada; Corresponding author
Emilio I. Alarcon
BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) Research, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y4W7, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada; Corresponding author
Summary: The field of small-diameter vascular grafts remains a challenge for biomaterials scientists. While decades of research have brought us much closer to developing biomimetic materials for regenerating tissues and organs, the physiological challenges involved in manufacturing small conduits that can transport blood while not inducing an immune response or promoting blood clots continue to limit progress in this area. In this short review, we present some of the most recent methods and advancements made by researchers working in the field of small-diameter vascular grafts. We also discuss some of the most critical aspects biomaterials scientists should consider when developing lab-made small-diameter vascular grafts.
