There are still no artificial implants for small but vital blood vessels in the heart, brain and limbs. Implants made from synthetic polymers and even products fabricated from protein- based materials are not able to fulfil the requirements. Due to the specific structure and properties, the polysaccaridic material bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) proved to be first choice for development of novel tubular implants. Current synthetic strategies to design prototypes will be presented. Valuable relevant product parameters relate lengths up to 150 mm, inner diameters of 1-6 mm, bursting strengths of more than 1000 mm Hg and suture retention strengths around 5 N. Recent three-month studies in sheep show positive key parameters: handling during surgery, biocompatibility, mechanical stability and ingrowth of endogenous cells. Remaining problems concerning the thrombosis rate and ways to overcome them are discussed.

Current manufacture and product parameters of tubular cellulosic implants

245th National Meeting (2013)

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