Theoretical stress analysis of artery/graft systems

The geometrical and compliance mismatch between host artery and synthetic vascular substitute creates an increase of pulse wave reflection and energy losses as well as a stress concentration at the anastomosis. It may cause structural fatigue of the arterial wall leading to eventual rupture. A method is proposed for the theoretical computation of stresses at the arterial/graft junction. The theory of small bending superposed on a finite membrane state for an orthotropic elastic cylindrical shell is applied. Numerical results are reported, and recommendations for selection of grafts for implantation are made.<>