Exploring Polymer Vascular Grafts to Match to Compliance of Human Vascular Arteries

To address the critical compliance mismatch between native human arteries and prosthetic grafts, which can lead to anastomotic neointimal hyperplasia and reduced graft patency, we leverage 3D printing technology to create silicone polymer arteries that closely mimic human arteries. By constructing these vascular grafts from various commercial resins with different wall thicknesses, we aim to optimize compliance matching with native human arteries through comparative measurements of compliance among human aortoiliac artery, conventional polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft, and several 3D-printed arteries using a mock circulation loop designed to simulate human arterial conditions. Through measurements of pressure waveforms and key hemodynamic metrics (heart rate, systolic, diastolic, pulse pressures, and mean arterial pressure), we find that the wall thickness of the 3D-printed grafts significantly affects their compliance properties. Notably, some specific resin grafts exhibit compliance closer to that of human arteries, outperforming traditional PTFE materials in matching both mean and pulse pressures. These promising results suggest that tailored 3D-printed resins, adjustable in size and wall thickness, are a fruitful area of research for investigations to enhance graft integration and reduce vascular complications. This warrants further research into their biocompatibility, durability, and surgical suitability.