History, progress and future challenges of artificial blood vessels: a narrative review

Ke Hu, Yuxuan Li, Zunxiang Ke, Hongjun Yang, Chanjun Lu, Yiqing Li, Yi Guo, Weici Wang

Table 2 Artificial blood vessels of different diameters

Artery diameter Usage sites Indications Main challenges Commercial materials Large > 8 mm Aortoiliac arteries. Open aortic aneurysm repair. Coarctation of the aorta. Weak mechanical durability. Compliance mismatch. Aneurysmal-like dilation. Non-degradable materials: PET, ePTFE Medium 6–8 mm Carotid artery. Femoral artery. Similar to large Similar to large Similar to large Small < 6 mm Coronary arteries. Infrainguinal arteries (below the inguinal ligament). Infrageniculate arteries (below the knee). Coronary artery bypass. Arteriovenous shunts.Coronary artery bypass. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Stenosis/occlusion caused by thrombosis or intimal hyperplasia. Low haemocompatibility. Autologous vessels: ITA, SV