Vascular prostheses for open surgery

Abstract: The chapter discusses the advantages and limitations of arterial prostheses (or vascular grafts) in terms of their biocompatibility, biofunctionality and biostability. Criteria for biomaterials selection and prosthesis design that have enabled patients to recover more rapidly without any device-related complications are reviewed, and developments are considered that may lead to future improvements in healing and clinical outcomes for the next generation of vascular prostheses.