Advanced Laser-Assisted Fabrication of Mesoporous, Compliance-Matched, and Drug-Eluting Vascular Grafts

University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed an innovative additive and subtractive laser-assisted rolling fabrication technique to create mesoporous, compliance-matched, and drug-eluting vascular grafts. This technology addresses the high failure rates of current grafts used in cardiac bypass grafting (CABG) by enhancing graft patency and functionality through controlled porosity and drug elution.

Schema of the laser-assisted rolling fabrication technique.

Description

The technique involves creating fully biodegradable flat sheets from a combination of synthetic and natural biopolymers. These sheets are then laser-cut to introduce mesoporous structures and rolled into tubular grafts. The process allows precise control over the radial and axial distribution of porosity, enabling the inclusion of drugs and growth factors to improve graft performance. The grafts are designed to match the compliance of native vessels, reducing the risk of intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis.

Applications

- Cardiac bypass grafting (CABG)
- Vascular grafts for peripheral artery disease
- Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs)

Advantages

This technology offers several advantages, including controlled porosity for optimal cell infiltration and drug elution, compliance matching to native vessels to prevent intimal hyperplasia, and enhanced graft patency and long-term functionality. These features collectively address the high failure rates of current grafts used in CABG, making this innovation a significant advancement in the field of vascular grafts.

Invention Readiness

The concept has been defined, and in vitro data and prototypes exist. The technology is ready for further development and testing to optimize its performance and clinical applicability.

IP Status

Patent pending