Dynamic Behaviour of a Dacron Aortic Graft

Abstract

Abstract Woven Dacron grafts are still considered the clinical standard practice in thoracic vascular reconstruction in the case of aortic aneurysm and acute dissection. Despite its characteristics of biocompatibility and durability, very little is known about the dynamic response of Dacron grafts and about their side effects on the heart workload and cardiovascular system. In this study, physiological blood flow conditions are imposed in a Dacron graft via a specifically-developed mock circulatory loop. The effects of different physiological pulsation-per-minute rates are investigated. Since the Dacron prosthesis is extremely stiffer circumferentially and compliant axially with respect to an aortic segment of the same length, bending oscillations are preferred by the graft. This leads to a very significant different dynamic behavior with respect to the replaced human aortic portion altering cardiovascular pressure and blood flow dynamics and eventually causing long-term implant complications.