Graft-artery junctions: design optimization and CAD development.

Designing and manufacturing of vascular prosthesis for arterial bypass grafts is a very complex problem. The process involves the selection of suitable geometry, materials of appropriate characteristics, and manufacturing technique capable of constructing prosthesis in a cost-effective manner. In this chapter, all engineering aspects related to the design and optimization of an artificial graft are presented and discussed.

Numerical analysis of coronary artery bypass grafts: an over view.

Arterial bypass grafts tend to fail after some years due to the development of intimal thickening (restenosis). Non-uniform hemodynamics following a bypass operation contributes to restenosis and bypass failure can occur due to the focal development of anastomotic intimal hyperplasia. Additionally, surgical injury aggravated by compliance mismatch between the graft and artery has been suggested as an initiating factor for progress of wall thickening along the suture line Vascular grafts that are small in diameter tend to occlude rapidly.

Microwave sterilization of bovine pericardium for heart valve applications.

It is widely recognised that the bioprosthetic valves widely used for heart valve replacements have some drawbacks, for example tearing and occurrence of infections, which can be attributed to the fixation and sterilization techniques currently available. These techniques adversely affect the physical properties, functionality, and lifespan of the leaflets. In the work discussed in this paper we examined a novel procedure of using high-frequency microwaves to fix and disinfect the pericardium, without causing any harmful affects.

Development of a novel pulsatile bioreactor for tissue culture.

The construction of tissue-engineered parts such as heart valves and arteries requires more than just the seeding of cells onto a biocompatible/biodegradable polymeric scaffold. It is essential that the functionality and mechanical integrity of the cell-seeded scaffold be investigated in vitro prior to in vivo implantation. The correct hemodynamic conditioning would lead to the development of tissues with enhanced mechanical strength and cell viability.

Polyethyleneterephthalate provides superior retention of endothelial cells during shear stress compared to polytetrafluoroethylene and pericardium.

Background: Polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are polymers successfully used as large diameter arterial grafts for peripheral vascular surgery. However, these prosthetic grafts are rarely used for coronary bypass surgery because of their low patency rates. Endothelialisation of the lumenal surface of these materials may improve their patency.