Design of a versatile, inexpensive vessel burst pressure measurement device

The goal of this study was to design an inexpensive and versatile device and method to characterize the strength of tissue engineered small diameter vascular grafts as part of a Research Experience for Teachers (NSF RET) summer program. The primary objectives of this device were to be able to measure burst pressures in graft samples of variable sizes, be accurate and reproducible, be capable of measuring over a range of pressures (0 - 3000 mmHg), easy to use, and be able to inflate at a constant rate. These objectives were achieved by building a modular device from inexpensive, components that required very little machining. Specifically, the device is composed of a syringe pump, interchangeable pressure transducers, a panel meter, and an adjustable assembly to hold the sample. The device was designed and assembled within 5 weeks, after which a successful validation test was performed. This inexpensive device provides a versatile means of accurately testing the strength of tissue engineered blood vessel substitutes which will aid researchers in selecting optimal designs.