Preparation and evaluation of bicomponent and homogeneous polyester silk small diameter arterial prostheses.

The development of a small diameter (≤5 mm) arterial prosthesis requires the appropriate selection of materials, structure and fabrication method so as to provide adequate mechanical properties, superior biocompatibility and precise control over the diameter. In this study, 100% polyester, 100% silk fibroin and a combination of both yarns were woven into seamless tubular prototype prostheses with different basic weaves. After degumming/scouring they met a target inner diameter of 3.9±0.3 mm which demonstrates that weaving is a precise way to manufacture small caliber arterial prostheses. In conclusion, the bicomponent polyester/silk woven samples had superior mechanical properties and improved cytocompatibility compared to commercial ePTFE devices.