The Effect of Angle and Flow Rate Upon Hemodynamics in Distal Vascular Graft Anastomoses: An In Vitro Model Study

Abstract

A steady flow, in vitro model of distal arterial bypass graft junctions was used to examine the effects of junction angle and flow rate on the local velocity field. Three test sections were fabricated from Plexiglas™ tubing having anastomotic junction angles of either 30, 45, or 60 deg. Flow visualization revealed velocity profiles skewed toward the outer wall with a flow split around a clear stagnation point along the outer wall. Laser Doppler anemometry [LDA] measurements confirmed a distinct stagnation point at the outer wall and both reverse and forward shear were detected immediately upstream and downstream, respectively, of this site. Axial velocities and shear rates along the outer wall were higher than along the inner wall and occurred in the junction angle order: 45, 60, and 30 deg. This study clearly identified changes in wall shear which varied with the anastomotic angle and flow rate.