Vascular Implants Reinforced with Natural Silk Yarns

Abstract

In the course of this research work woven synthetic
prosthesis reinforced with natural silk yarns was designed and
manufactured. Biomechanical properties of surgical natural silk
were studied during designing of the structure of the walls of the
prosthesis. The experiment gave good data of elasticity and strain
properties in a process of laboratory testing of samples of natural
fibers. The previous practical experience was also used, for
example, various vascular prostheses made from polyurethane
complex yarns and polyester monofilaments. As a result, the
authors of the scientific work proposed a combined wall
structure of vascular prosthesis, consisting of polyester,
polyurethane, and natural silk surgical yarns. After the
implantation of the synthetic prosthesis reinforced with natural
silk yarns, these natural silk yarns completely dissolve in the
body for several years. Living tissue is gradually growing into the
walls of synthetic prosthesis, replacing dissolved natural silk
yarns. Experimental tests confirmed that a modulus of elasticity
of innovative prosthesis is close to modulus of elasticity of natural
blood vessels. The innovative structure of blood vessel prosthesis
combined with such parameters can provide a long-term normal
hemodynamics.