Development of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model for Stent-graft Insertion

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of an abdominal aortic aneurysm model for stent-graft placement. Materials and Methods: The model consists of two parts, the eart and the vascular system. A peristaltic pump and a solenoid valve were used to simulate a pulsatile flow from the heart. A ball-shaped piece of clay was placed inside a square box and liquid silicone was poured. After the silicone was formed, the clay was removed and a silicone tube was used to connect the heart model and the aneurysm model. The silicone tube was also used to simulate the iliac arteries and one end of the artery was clamped and the other one was extended to a water bath. Water at 37 was circulated through the model, and the pressure at the thoracic aorta, aneurysm and iliac artery was measured with the outlet valve opening at 25, 50, and 100% before and after stent-graft placement. Results: The liquid pressure measurements were 253/252, 271/162 and 264/166 mmHg at the thoracic aorta, aneurysm and iliac artery, respectively, when the outlet was 100% open. They were 173/121, 145/99, 145/106 mmHg when the outlet was 50% open, and 35/28, 61/44, 24/22 mmHg when it was 25% open. After lacement of the stent-graft, the pressure measurements were 170/132, 174/128, and 167/128 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion: Since it was easy to produce, the model was useful for in-vitro stent-graft testing, and a wide range of pressure could be applied.