Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-31-1992

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Biomedical Engineering Committee

First Advisor

Clarence W. Mayott

Second Advisor

David S. Kristol

Third Advisor

Frank T. Padberg

Abstract

A closed loop fluid system was developed which mimics the flow curve in the human circulatory system in order to test the effects of pressure drop and flow velocity on artificial arterial implants. This device consists of a piston pump connected to a microcomputer controlled servo-motor. Fluid (in this case distilled water) flows through transparent Tygon tubing to a test chamber. The prosthetic tube is placed in the fluid but is attached through a specially constructed chamber. The pressure across the implant can be measured for different conditions. System compliance was generated by using flexible tubing in the return loop and fluid resistance was developed by using filters.

Experiments were performed using standard tubing as well as artificial grafts to test the concept that twist of the implant effects flow. The pressure drop across the implant was measured with an increasing twist. Various lengths and tensions were tested. The results indicate that there is no correlation between twist (from 0 to 180 degrees) and pressure drop.

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