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How to calculate the main aortic graft-diameter for a chimney-graft
Tilo Kölbel1, Sebastian W Carpenter, Anusch Taraz
1Department of Vascular Medicine, University Heart Center, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany - tilokoelbel@gmail.com.
Background:
The aim of this paper was to present a mathematical model to calculate the required main aortic graft-diameter for parallel chimney-grafts.
Methods:
Geometric approximation model, developed to allow for a standardized calculation of the main aortic graft-diameter determined by the aortic diameter and the diameter of the chimney-graft.
Results:
We propose a mathematical formula using circular segments of the aorta and the chimney-graft and provide a table with recommended main aortic graft-diameters for single chimney-grafts of 6 and 8 mm.
Conclusion:
Geometric approximation can be used to calculate the required main aortic graft-diameter. For parallel running chimney-grafts a significant degree of oversizing is necessary to allow the main aortic body to surround the chimney and to prevent the occurrence of gutters, which may cause type-1 endoleaks.

