Assessing Hemodynamic Properties of a Small Diameter Arterial Graft by Means of an Implanted Doppler Probe

Small diameter arterial grafts are commonly in use for replacing occluded arteries in the lower limbs. Their application, however, is limited due to the fact of relatively poor long-time patency. We tried in this study to find a better and non-invasive method to elucidate the hemodynamical status of an implanted arterial graft. By continuously monitoring hemodynamical changes during the time of patency, we can obtain more information about the way the observed arterial graft is finally occluded. This may give us valuable news about the interaction of the vascular system with the implanted arterial graft; thus suggestions about the composition of an improved graft may become possible.