Artificial Graft Devices and Related Systems and Methods
In some aspects, a graft device can include a biodegradable inner layer, an outer layer, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a lumen therebetween. The biodegradable inner layer typically includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer layer typically includes a fiber matrix surrounding the outer surface of the inner layer. The graft device can include a reinforced end portion. At least 10% or at least 50% of the graft device can remain after 90 days of implantation. In some cases, at least 10% or at least 50% of the graft device can remain after 180 days of implantation. The graft device can include a kink-resisting element. The graft device can include at least one layer with a dynamic compliance less than or equal to at least one of: 20%/100 mmHg or 5%/100 mmHg.
1 - 143 . (canceled)
144 . A graft device comprising:
a first end portion, a second end portion, and a lumen therebetween;
an inner layer comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; and
an outer layer comprising a fiber matrix and circumferentially surrounding the outer surface of the inner layer,
wherein said outer layer comprises a kink-resisting structure formed by removing material from said fiber matrix,
wherein the inner layer comprises a portion permeable to cells; and
wherein the inner layer is configured to biodegrade faster than the outer layer.
145 . The graft device according to claim 144 , wherein the fiber matrix comprises a biodegradable material.
146 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein the fiber matrix comprises a non-biodegradable material.
147 . The graft device according to claim 144 , wherein the fiber matrix comprises both a biodegradable material and a non-biodegradable material.
148 . The graft device of claim 144 , further comprising pores positioned in at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer.
149 . The graft device of claim 148 , wherein the pores comprise diameters ranging from 10 μm to 100 μm.
150 . The graft device of claim 149 , wherein the pores comprise diameters ranging from 20 μm to 30 μm.
151 . The graft device of claim 148 , wherein the pores comprise a first set of pores and a second set of pores, and wherein the first set of pores comprises an average diameter different than an average diameter of the second set of pores.
152 . The graft device of claim 148 , wherein the pores comprise interconnecting pores.
153 . The graft device of claim 152 , wherein an interconnectivity of the interconnecting pores varies along a radial direction of the graft device.
154 . The graft device of claim 152 , wherein the pores comprise a first set of pores proximate the inner surface and a second set of pores proximate the outer surface, and wherein the first set of pores comprise an interconnectivity higher than an interconnectivity of the second set of pores.
155 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein the inner layer comprises a biodegradable polyester.
156 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein the inner layer comprises a first material and a second material.
157 . The graft device of claim 156 , wherein the first material and the second material are constructed and arranged to biodegrade at different rates.
158 . The graft device of claim 156 , wherein the first material and the second material comprise different molecular weights.
159 . The graft device of claim 156 , wherein the first material and the second material comprise different degrees of cross-linking.
160 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein the inner layer further comprises a non-biodegradable material.
161 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein the inner layer is constructed and arranged to biodegrade primarily via surface erosion.
162 . The graft device of claim 144 , further comprising a coating.
163 . The graft device of claim 162 , wherein the coating comprises a thromboresistant coating.
164 . The graft device of claim 163 , wherein the thromboresistant coating comprises heparin.
165 . The graft device of claim 163 , wherein the thromboresistant coating comprises a coating positioned on the inner surface of the inner layer.
166 . The graft device of claim 162 , wherein the coating comprises an adhesive.
167 . The graft device of claim 166 , wherein the adhesive coating comprises a coating positioned on the outer surface of the inner layer.
168 . The graft device of claim 162 , wherein the coating is constructed and arranged to provide a function selected from the group consisting of: anti-thrombogenicity; anti-proliferation; anti-calcification; vasorelaxation; and combinations thereof.
169 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein the inner layer further comprises one or more of: microspheres; nanoparticles; nanoparticles comprising polymer-layer silicates; metal; metal alloy; ceramic; glass; a self-assembled monolayer; biomimetic material; a phospholipids layer with inherent anti-thrombogenic properties; or combinations thereof.
170 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein the inner layer comprises a construction selected from the group consisting of: homogenous construction; heterogeneous construction; crystalline construction; semi-crystalline construction; amorphous construction; fibrous construction; open-celled construction; closed celled construction; woven construction; interconnected pore construction; an interconnected pore construction produced by spherical aggregation; an interconnected pore construction produced by spherical particle-leaching; an interconnected pore construction produced by salt-leaching; an interconnected pore construction produced by thermally-induced phase separation; an interconnected pore construction produced by thermally-induced particle-leaching; and combinations thereof.
171 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein said kink-resisting structure is accordion-like.
172 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein said outer layer comprises a modification formed by hardening, softening, melting, expanding, or contracting a portion of said fiber matrix.
173 . The graft device of claim 144 , wherein said outer layer comprises a modification applied along an entire length of said inner layer.