[Experimental studies of the pressure stability of vascular endoprostheses]

Percutaneously implantable vascular prostheses used clinically (Strecker, Palmaz and Wall stents) were tested as realistically as possible with regard to their mechanical stability. The Palmaz stent showed the greatest pressure stability. Even at pressures above three atmospheres the stent remained within 20% of its nominal diameter. In contrast, the Wall and Strecker stents showed much less pressure stability. Depending on the diameter of the wire and of the stent, there was 20% reduction in diameter at pressures between 0.13 and 0.68 atmospheres. These results will contribute to an improved application of the vascular endoprostheses which have been tested.