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Dynamic internal compliance of a vascular prosthesis.
R Tu1, J McIntyre, C Hata
1Baxter Edwards CVS Division, Irvine, California 92714.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1991
Summary
A new method measures blood vessel and vascular graft compliance. Denaflex grafts showed reduced radial and longitudinal compliance after fixation compared to fresh arteries.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Materials Science
Background:
- Assessing vascular graft mechanics is crucial for clinical success.
- Internal compliance, a key mechanical property, influences graft performance.
- Existing methods may not fully capture dynamic compliance under physiological pressures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel technique for measuring dynamic internal compliance of blood vessels and vascular grafts.
- To quantify volumetric, radial, and longitudinal compliance.
- To compare the compliance of Denaflex biologic grafts with fresh bovine internal thoracic arteries.
Main Methods:
- A dynamic compliance tester (Dynatek DCT1) was employed.
- Volumetric compliance (CV) was measured with a loose loop mount allowing radial and longitudinal movement.
- Radial compliance (CR) was measured with a mount restricting longitudinal movement.
- Longitudinal compliance (CL) was calculated using the relationship CV = 2 CR + CL.
Main Results:
- Fresh bovine arteries exhibited average compliances: CV 26.1%/100 mmHg, CR 9.5%/100 mmHg, CL 7.2%/100 mmHg.
- Denaflex biologic grafts demonstrated reduced longitudinal and radial compliance compared to fresh arteries.
- Fixation process significantly impacted the mechanical properties of the vascular grafts.
Conclusions:
- The developed technique effectively measures dynamic internal compliance components.
- Fixation during the preparation of Denaflex grafts alters their mechanical behavior.
- Understanding these compliance changes is vital for evaluating vascular graft suitability and long-term performance.