Shaped biotextiles for medical implants

Abstract: The available implants can be classified as either the one- dimensional, two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures. Among these, the most researched is the arterial prosthesis, which involves a novel process and many steps to make. All aspects of the manufacture and finishing of different types of vascular grafts (straight, tapered, multilimbed) are discussed: construction of the basic tube, setting and annealing of the tube in corrugated and resilient circular configurations, and the designs to resist fraying, improve flow and enhance healing. Advantages of using tubular fabrics to construct other (nonvascular) prostheses are examined, as is the technology used to produce more complex, nontubular, three-dimensional products. Key criteria for selection of implant material and physical principles to optimize implant performance are also considered.