title: Some mechanical/hydrodynamical problems of contemporary vascular grafts.
abstract: In view of the importance of properly matching vascular grafts and replaced arteries, we measured some mechanical properties of a set of eleven vascular grafts. The deformation response of inflated grafts for a set of Czechoslovak-made warp and weft knitted grafts was also measured on a special experimental device. A simple two-parameter model describing the stress-strain behavior of the grafts is given. Proper pre-elongation of the graft during implantation is important. From the hydrodynamic point of view it is essential to optimize the size and shape of the crimping, especially for small-diameter grafts. Our experiments indicate that the warp knitted grafts are more distensible than the weft knitted ones, but they are all more rigid than the replaced arteries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomechanics, Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, Prague.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zácek
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Konfrst
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Klimes
mesh_terms: D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D004548:Elasticity; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011140:Polyurethanes
chemical_list: D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011140:Polyurethanes