Forces Induced by Peak Systolic Flows in Asymmetric Endovascular Grafts

Endovascular repair (EVAR) has emerged as an alternative, less-invasive surgical technique for the treatment of patients diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The anatomical pathway of blood flow in the abdominal aorta is restored by the implantation of an endovascular graft (EVG), effectively depressurizing the aneurysm and initiating a remodeling process of the diseased aorta. The short-term results of endovascular grafting are promising, but its long-term success has been compromised by the occurrence of graft migration and detachment, which induce endoleaks or incomplete occlusion of the aneurysm from the blood circulation. The forces induced by the blood as it flows through the graft are believed to be a factor of probable cause in the partial detachment from its proximal and distal anchoring points and the migration of the graft downstream. The purpose of this study is to utilize analytical tools to provide an estimation of the forces required to secure the graft proximally when relying only on stresses induced by the flow.