LABORATORY TESTING - benchtop experiments that accurately mimic physiological conditions to predict device performance in vivo. 

Services include:

·         In Vitro model design and manufacture  

·         Mechanical testing to simulate in vivo loading conditions

o        Tension/Compression

o        Bending

o        Torsion

o        Crush

o        Fatigue

In Vitro Superficial Femoral Artery (SFA) Model:

Based upon 3D-reconstructed CT Angiography of a representative patient, a model was created using a rapid prototyping printer, the reverse hollow model was then cast from silicone with physiologically-matched arterial compliance, musculoskeletal constraint was added in the form of ballistics gel, and the appropriate fluid mechanics (flow rate, pressure and temperature) were imposed via a closed flow loop.  This model was used as a tool in evaluating early-stage prototype catheters and delivery system designs intended to deliver a stent to the contra-lateral, diseased SFA.  

Stent durability testing under simulated SFA deformation conditions:

The fundamental deformation modes of healthy and diseased superficial femoral arteries have been measured and reported in the general literature (Smouse et al, TCT 2004, and Cheng et al, JVIR 2006).  These deformation modes can be converted into appropriate engineering boundary conditions for durability (i.e. fatigue) evaluation of various stent designs.  Two such tests to simulate the axial shorting and bending experienced by the SFA in response to walking are shown in the videos below.   

<Download Axial Loading Video>

<Download Bend Loading Video>

Videos courtesy of Alan Pelton, NDC