Current status of prosthetic bypass grafts: a review

Abstract

Polymers such as Dacron and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been used in high flow states with relative success but with limited application at lower flow states. Newer polymers with greater compliance, biomimicry, and ability to evolve into hybrid prostheses, suitable as smaller vessels, are now being introduced. In view of the advances in tissue engineering, this makes possible the creation of an ideal off-the-shelf bypass graft. We present a broad overview of the current state of prosthetic bypass grafts.