17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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Exploring the combined effects of wavy geometric designs and material stiffness on artificial blood vessel biomechanics

Authors :

Galip Yilmaz¹

1- Bayburt University

Keywords :

Artificial Blood Vessels،Wavy Geometric Design،Hyperelastic Materials

Abstract :

In recent years, artificial blood vessels (ABVs) have become a critical technology in vascular surgery, especially when spare vessels of patients are unavailable. The biomechanical compatibility of these ABVs with natural blood vessels is essential for their long-term success, especially in mimicking the nonlinear elastic behavior of healthy arteries. Previous studies have shown that introducing wavy geometric designs improves the flexibility of vascular grafts from relatively stiffer materials. However, the combined effect of varying material stiffness and wavy geometries on ABV performance has yet to be thoroughly investigated. Softer materials with fewer wave numbers or stiffer materials with more wave numbers were investigated to understand the effect of biomechanical properties such as flexibility, internal pressure distribution, and overall strain under physiological conditions. Understanding this interaction is critical for optimizing ABV designs to balance mechanical strength and elasticity, reducing risks such as aneurysms or excessive stiffness. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations were used to model two primary scenarios: (1) ABVs with fewer waves but using a softer material model and (2) ABVs with more waves combined with a stiffer material model. In both cases, the effects of these changes on vessel expansion, pressure distribution, and long-term mechanical performance under increasing internal pressure were evaluated.