SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMING BIOENGINEERED TUBULAR GRAFT PROSTHESES

摘要

An apparatus for forming a tube construct from a planar sheet matrix includes a stand supporting two opposing mounts (52) and spanning between the opposing mounts (52) are a mandrel (24), a porous rod, (55) and a spring-loaded roller (60) held in parallel arrangement; a guide (70) for aligning and engaging the mandrel (24) on the mounts (52); and means for imparting a tangential force on the planar sheet matrix to prevent wrinkling. The porous rod (55) has a lumen running its length and has pores that communicate between the lumen of the porous rod (55) through to the surface of the rod for water to uniformly pass through. The spring-loaded roller (60) runs along the length of the porous rod (55) creating a line of contact between the roller (60) and the mandrel (24).