Patent ID: 9242027
Filing Date: 2016-01-26
CPC Classification: A61L

Claim Text:
1. A method of producing a vascular network preform, said method comprising: forming a network of elongate fibers randomly extending in a non-repeating pattern from a sacrificial material; forming at least one elongate structure from a sacrificial material, wherein the elongate structure has a diameter greater than that of the elongate fibers; placing the network of elongate fibers and the at least one elongate structure in contact with one another following or during said forming a network of elongate fibers or said forming at least one elongate structure; applying a matrix around the network of elongate fibers in contact with the at least one elongate structure; and sacrificing the network of elongate fibers and the at least one elongate structure within the matrix to form a preform containing a vascular network of fine diameter tubes in fluid communication with at least one elongate passage having a diameter greater than that of the fine diameter tubes.