Three dimensional weaving of tubular structures

Abstract

Current medical practices for repairing blood vessels include the implantation of artificial stents in place of living tissue. If living tissues could be used instead of synthetic fibers, the body's immune system would not reject the repair. This thesis covers the design and implementation of a weaving machine that is capable of weaving living tissue into three dimensional tubular structures. This prototyped machine is not ready for patient use; however, the machine does prove the feasibility of this weaving technique. This report also includes the design of actuators that would make the prototyped machine completed automated and capable of weaving more complex tubular structures.