Fabrication of a vascular system using sacrificial structures

摘要

The first aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of producing a vascular network preform (VNP). This method involves forming a network of elongate fibers and at least one elongate structure from a sacrificial material. The diameter of the elongate structure is greater than that of the elongate fibers. The network of elongate fibers is placed in contact with at least one elongate structure either following or during forming the network of elongate fibers or forming the at least one elongate structure. A matrix is applied around the network of elongate fibers, in contact with the at least one elongate structure. The network of elongate fibers and elongate structure, within the matrix is sacrificed to form a preform. The resulting preform contains a vascular network of fine diameter tubes in contact with at least one elongate passage having a diameter greater than that of the fine diameter tubes. The resulting solid preform and methods of using it are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of producing a vascular network preform, said method comprising:
forming a network of elongate fibers randomly extending in a non-repeating pattern from a sacrificial material; forming at least one elongate structure from a sacrificial material, wherein the elongate structure has a diameter greater than that of the elongate fibers; placing the network of elongate fibers and the at least one elongate structure in contact with one another following or during said forming a network of elongate fibers or said forming at least one elongate structure; applying a matrix around the network of elongate fibers in contact with the at least one elongate structure; and sacrificing the network of elongate fibers and the at least one elongate structure within the matrix to form a preform containing a vascular network of fine diameter tubes in fluid communication with at least one elongate passage having a diameter greater than that of the fine diameter tubes.