Affect of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent-Graft Design on Arterial Haemodynamics

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is an irreversible dilation of the abdominal aorta. If left untreated the aneurysm may rupture possibly leading to death. There are currently two surgical treatments for AAA, the traditional open surgery and the minimally invasive repair also known as the endovascular aneurysm repair procedure (EVAR) [1–2]. The endovascular technique having been introduced in 1991 is still beset by problems [3]. These problems mainly consist of graft migration, endoleaks and occlusion. It has been suggested that redesigning current stent-graft devices is the best method of remedying these problems [4]. Conventional graft design has normally revolved around a constant proximal diameter which includes a sudden large diameter reduction at the iliac bifurcation. In the naturally occurring case the aorta tapers into the iliac arteries.