Polyether-urethane elastomers for small-diameter arterial prostheses.

Textile polymers have been used for the manufacture of synthetic arterial prostheses. The extreme rigidity of these polymers has severely limited the nature of the structures that could be fabricated, so that the mechanical properties and structural form of the prostheses bear little resemblance to those of natural arteries. The variety of chemical structures, of mechanical properties and of means of fabrication make it possible to produce a compliant flexible prosthesis having a more delicate structure, thereby acquiring better tissue and blood compatibility and good long-term durability. These, and an acceptable form that encourages good surgical practice, account for the good performance of the prosthesis. By way of illustration, an electrostatically spun microfibrous arterial prosthesis of small diameter is described. It is made of a polyether-urethane urea (Biomer). We report good two-year patency for arterial prostheses of our design used to replace the common carotid artery in dogs.