Integrated Piezoelectric Vascular Graft for Continuous Real-Time Hemodynamics Monitoring

Vascular grafts are commonly used to manage cardiovascular diseases (CVD) but face postoperative complications. Recent developments in intelligent vascular grafts utilizing flexible bioelectronics allow for hemodynamic and vascular health monitoring. This study introduces an all-in-one piezoelectric vascular graft (PVG) made by encapsulating a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber mat with patterned silver nanowire (AgNW) electrodes between two layers of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber mats. The optimized PVG, with average diameters of approximately 950 nm for PVDF and 250 nm for PCL, shows excellent endothelialization and mechanical properties comparable to natural blood vessels. The piezoelectric properties of PVDF provide the PVG with strong mechanical sensing capabilities, featuring a sensitivity of 11 mV kPa⁻¹ and stability over 50,000 cycles for precise hemodynamic monitoring. Tests using artificial artery models confirm the PVG's ability to accurately diagnose vascular health based on hemodynamic data. Additionally, the PVG shows nontoxicity, good hemocompatibility (hemolytic ratio < 1%), and histocompatibility. This innovative technology, validated through ex vivo and in vivo experiments, marks a significant advancement in vascular health management with diverse potential applications.

For more info, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202409874

Integrated PVG for hemodynamic monitoring. a) Overall view for PVG, illustrating structure design and advantages. The proposed PVG is based on exquisite electrospinning nanofibers, with endothelialization facilitation and hemodynamics monitoring objectives. b) SEM image and diameter distribution of PVDF nanofiber mat. RF, relative frequency. Scale bar, 10 µm. c) XRD spectra of PCL, PVDF, AgNWs/PVDF nanofiber mats. d) Cross-sectional view of PVG. Scale bar, 50 µm. e) Optical photographs of developed PVG. Scale bar, 5 mm. f) The radar chart compares the performance of the PVG with existing works. The plot's Source Data are available in Table S2 (Supporting Information).