Implications of Distension on the Design of Arterial Grafts

Abstract

An examination of current literature shows that little consideration has been given to distensibility properties of arterial grafts and that those currently being used represent small strain systems. Using angiographic techniques, we have observed diametral variations of the major arteries to be considerably larger than those reported by previous investigators. Evidence is presented to show that there may be advantages to incorporating host-vessel distension in arterial grafts.