Stent-Graft Permeability and Aneurysm Rupture
Description: Stent-Grafts are Vascular Prosthesis that are used
by cardiologists to treat Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm (AAA).
AAA is an enlargement of the abdominal aorta which can rupture
and be fatal. Stent-grafts are interted inside AAA to redirect the
flow of blood away from the AAA walls and thus lower the pressure to
the aneurysm sac and possibility of rupture. Stent-graft material
is typically porous (permeable). This allows seepage of fluid into
the aneurysm sac. As a result the sac pulsates and if pressure
continues building up, it may rupture. Different stent-graft
prostheses have different permeabilities. The goal of this
study is to understand how the structure and permeability of
different stent-grafts influences aneurysm sac pulsation.
Student Project:
The student will collect patient data obtained by the cardiologist Dr. Krajcer (THI)
and together with Prof. Canic discuss how this data is used in
mathematical modeling and simulation of this problem.
Description: Stents are used in the treatment of coronary artery disease.
Various complications associated with poor biocompatibility have been observed.
To improve biocompatibility of stents ear cartilage cells are investigate as
a possible biocompatible coverage of stent surface.
Student Project:
The student will direct the flow loop experiments, together with Dr. Rosenstrauch,
Dr. Hartley and Prof. Canic, to test the behavior of
cells used in stent coverage. The results of the experiments will be compared with
the mathematical and computaional model result.