Fig. 11.

Strategic plan for the mechanical characterization of potential vascular substitutes. At early stages of the substitute development, incremental and cyclic uniaxial loading tests can be applied for the initial assessment of the mechanical properties because they require lower amount of sample and they have a relatively simple protocol (step 1). The redesigning of the substitute can be considered if the mechanical information obtained are orders of magnitude different from the physiological values (step 2). Pressure-based tests are recommended to be applied once step 2 is succeeded. The latter tests are important to evaluate the mechanical performance of the substitutes in a more physiological condition (step 3). The redesigning of the substitute can also be done if the mechanical response differs significantly from the physiological behavior (step 4). Once step 4 is succeeded, it is recommended to apply the same pressure-based tests (same protocol and parameters) in a native vessel of a similar caliber with respect to the potential vascular substitute. The redesigning of the substitute can also be envisaged to fine tune its mechanical performance.