The Flow in Idealized Models of the Femoro-Popliteal By-Pass Graft

Abstract

The factors affecting graft patency are first introduced and a miniature model of a by-pass graft junction is described. The flow conditions in the model were established by appropriate modelling criteria and the flow was visualized under both steady and pulsating conditions by using as the working fluid anticoagulated plasma plus a few red cells. Qualitative results are described. By neutralizing the anticoagulant some insight into the clotting process was obtained. Experimental work on a large scale, two-dimensional models, together with relevant theoretical predictions, aimed at evaluating the distribution of wall shear stress around a junction are also described.