| abstract |
An easy-to-produce and mechanically strong tube of an implantable graft prosthesis has been developed which is manufactured in any desired length, wall thickness, or diameter. The construct produced by the method of the invention may be used as grafts for arteries, veins, ureters, urethras, shunts, or in any application where a compliant, tissue-compatible tube is needed. The manufacture of the graft prosthesis generally involves wrapping multiple sheets of a purified, collagen-based matrix structure around a mandrel, compressing and drying the tissue on the mandrel before removing the construct for eventual use. |