Circumferential Cyclic Strain in Patients With Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Implications for Endovascular Device Design

Endovascular graft (EVG) therapy has emerged as a promising alternative to open surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. However, the long-term durability of thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) remains uncertain due to complications such as incomplete aneurysm exclusion (endoleaks), migration, and stent fracture and collapse. These complications could likely be reduced if the biomechanical environment of the thoracic aorta was better understood. Currently, there are three FDA approved EVGs for treatment of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAA), but the range of bench-top testing mechanisms for these devices are limited.