Impact of Stent-Graft Oversizing on the Thoracic Aorta: Experimental Study in a Porcine Model

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze in an experimental animal model the effect of 4 different levels of stents-graft oversizing on non-atherosclerotic aortas such as those found in young individuals who undergo stent-graft repair for traumatic aortic injuries.

Methods

The diameter of the porcine thoracic aorta is similar to the aorta of young adults (18–20 mm), so 25 pigs were randomized into 5 groups: 1 control (without stent-graft) and 4 oversizing groups (A: 10%–19%, B: 20%–29%, C: 30%–39%, and D: >40%). Two types of biomechanical tests were performed on all aortas 4 weeks after endoprosthesis deployment.

Results

The results of the detachment test, which analyzed the strength necessary to remove the stent-graft from the aorta, were similar in the 4 groups (A: 42 N, B: 41 N, C: 46 N, and D: 46 N). However, 2 aortas ruptured during the tests (groups C and D). The second test was performed in 3 aortic segments. Maximum shear strength, maximum stress, and maximum tension supported by the aortic wall had a negative and linear correlation with oversizing. There were significant differences in all 4 groups when compared with the control group. Strain, which reflects the elastic properties of the aortic wall, was very similar in all 4 groups, but a great difference was found when compared with the control group (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

The study showed an important subacute change in the biomechanical properties of the aortic wall after implantation of an oversized endoprosthesis. This weakness of the aortic wall was confirmed by 2 ruptures during the detachment test. These results partially explain the interaction of stent-grafts with non-atherosclerotic thoracic aortas and may serve as a basis for further studies and the development of specific material to be used in vascular trauma and young patients.