Blayne Roeder, PhD; Brian Choules, PhD;
and Jennifer Brown, PhD; MED Institute, Inc.

Endovascular graft designs continue to evolve, and designs among manufacturers vary considerably. Each available device has unique features that are highlighted in the manufacturer's marketing claims. For example, one manufacturer claims that its endovascular graft has the highest radial force and that radial force alone (i.e., no active fixation) provides adequate device fixation and migration resistance. In contrast, a hallmark of Zenith technology is its active suprarenal fixation, which is the primary mechanism for migration resistance. With such varied claims, how do we keep it all straight? What are the critical design features and performance criteria for endovascular grafts designed to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)?

The purpose of endovascular grafts designed to treat AAA is straightforward: to prevent aneurysm rupture and subsequent death by providing long-lasting exclusion of the aneurysm sac from the hemodynamic forces associated with blood flow. To achieve this, endovascular grafts must be accurately deployed, maintain adequate fixation at the landing site and maintain structural integrity. Herein is a discussion of the fundamental design features and related performance criteria required to achieve this objective.

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