Experimental study of a new sutureless intraluminal graft with a shape-memory alloy ring

A new sutureless intraluminal graft has been developed with a ring made of a titanium-nickel shape-memory alloy. The diameter of the ring can be reversibly reduced by compression in 4 degrees C normal saline solution and recovers its original shape in 38 degrees C physiologic saline solution during insertion in the aorta. The new graft was implanted in nine dogs and was evaluated histologically and angiographically at various intervals from 15 to 90 days. No complications, such as dislodgment, aortic rupture, stenosis, or aneurysmal dilation, were observed. The component of the shape-memory ring allows the graft to be introduced and secured in place easily. The function of this ring is better than that of the rigid ring.