Increasing angulation decreases measured aortic stent graft pullout forces

It is becoming clear that the displacement forces acting on stent grafts are not directed straight inferiorly but have a significant anteriorly directed component. However, all benchmark studies reporting experimental pullout forces for devices have been in a straight, axial direction. This study will characterize what effect nonaxial angulation has on pullout forces. This will allow more meaningful clinical discussion about “pullout forces” and allow more educated and informed predictions regarding the behavior of stent grafts. It will provide a reference for computer simulation and experimental studies, including those used to design next-generation devices.