Optimisation of a Novel Spiral-Inducing Bypass Graft Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Graft failure is a significant complication in treating Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
• Unfavorable hemodynamic conditions are strongly linked to intimal hyperplasia, the primary cause of graft failure.
• Understanding blood flow dynamics is crucial for improving prosthetic graft performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for enhancing prosthetic graft design.
• To evaluate a novel prosthetic graft design incorporating internal ridges to induce spiral blood flow.
• To identify key design parameters for optimizing graft performance and longevity.

Main Methods:

• A parametric study was conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• The study assessed four different design parameters for the internal ridges.
• The focus was on inducing physiological swirling flow to improve graft hemodynamics.

Main Results:

• The trailing edge orientation of the internal ridge was found to be the most critical parameter for inducing spiral flow.
• Ridge height also significantly impacted the graft's enhanced performance.
• The study identified specific design features that promote beneficial hemodynamic conditions.

Conclusions:

• Internal ridges in prosthetic grafts can effectively induce spiral blood flow, mimicking natural arterial flow patterns.
• Optimized ridge design, particularly trailing edge orientation and height, is key to improving graft patency and longevity.
• The proposed enhanced spiral graft configuration shows potential benefits over conventional designs for PVD and CAD treatment.