Miniaturized Devices for On‐the‐Spot Generation of Small‐Diameter Vascular Grafts

Abstract With over 17 million annual fatalities, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with myocardial infarction (MI) leading the mortality burden. MI is characterized by reduced blood flow in one or more coronary arteries. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is commonly performed to revascularize the heart to alleviate angina and prevent MI or death. ≈1 million CABG surgeries are performed each year worldwide. During CABG, autografts with internal diameters <6 mm are used but remain fraught with significant issues, including graft availability and subsequent graft failure. In this work, an intracorporeal extrusion device is developed for on‐the‐spot generation of vascular grafts with <6.0 mm diameters using biomimetic polymers and light, promptly obtaining biocompatible and high‐burst pressure‐resistant grafts using gelatin methacrylate formulations as proof‐of‐concept feasibility polymer. This technology could provide CABG surgeons with a new tool for revascularization by producing vascular grafts with customizable diameters without the need for autografts, xenografts, or pre‐made synthetic grafts.