Abstract
The effect of a double-walled stent-graft (DWSG) design on arterial compliance was evaluated using pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements in an in vitro mock arterial flow loop. The DWSG prototype was compared to a rigid stent-graft and to an unstented aorta model. The time delay between two pressure sensors a fixed distance apart was used to calculate PWV. Latex tubing simulated the compliant aorta, and a needle valve provided downstream resistance. A series of pulse rates and stroke volumes was applied to enable measurements at different mean pressures for the same system. PWV for the rigid stent-graft was higher than in the other two cases across all mean pressures. The DWSG exhibited behavior similar to the unstented model, demonstrating the capability of the DWSG to maintain aortic compliance in patients requiring an aortic stent-graft.