Can we build replacement blood vessels? This review provides a comprehensive overview of vascular tissue engineering, a field dedicated to creating functional blood vessel substitutes. It details various methodologies, including cell-seeded scaffolds using collagen or synthetic polymers, cell self-assembly techniques, and acellular approaches. The article examines the latest developments, focusing on core technologies and construct design strategies. Specific examples are analyzed to illustrate the advantages and limitations of each method. The review emphasizes recurring themes and discusses future challenges in the field. By providing a critical assessment of current techniques, this paper offers a valuable resource for researchers working to develop functional and biocompatible vascular grafts for treating cardiovascular diseases. The technology has many possible uses, such as bypas surgery and treatment of artherosclerosis.
Published in the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, this review aligns perfectly with the journal's focus on the latest advances in biomedical engineering. The comprehensive analysis of vascular tissue engineering methodologies fits within the journal's scope of covering innovative technologies for medical applications. The review's discussion of challenges and future directions further enhances its relevance to the journal's audience of biomedical engineers and researchers.