Promising Poly(ε-caprolactone) Composite Reinforced with Weft-Knitted Polyester for Small-Diameter Vascular Graft Application

The present study was designed to improve the mechanical performance of a small-diameter vascular prosthesis made from a flexible membrane of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL). PCL reinforcement was achieved by embedding a tubular fabric knitted from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarns within the freeze-dried composite structure. The knitting density of PET fabric influenced the mechanical properties of the new vascular graft. Results showed that the composite prototype has good mechanical properties, water permeability, elastic recovery, and suture retention strength. Increases in loop density increased compressive strength and suture retention strength and decreased elastic recovery. The new composite prototype vascular graft has promising potential applications in clinics because of its excellent mechanical properties.