Computational investigations of a new prosthetic femoral-popliteal bypass graft design

The search for a viable alternative to traditional end-to-side anastomosis for prosthetic femoral-popliteal bypass procedures is ongoing. Prosthetic femoral-popliteal bypass procedures have low long-term patency rates, and there is a need for methods that increase the life span of the procedure. Although research is progressing on a variety of different fronts, this study is significant in that it reports on in vitro tests on a potential device that may increase bypass patency. The device is simple, may be manufactured from clinically proven materials, does not require any additional training in its use, and combines attributes of end-to-side anastomoses with those of end-to-end anastomoses. In addition, the design concept behind the device, the natural bifurcation, may be relevant in other aspects of cardiovascular surgery.