Problem Formulation:
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is widely used for treating aortic aneurysms but is complicated by issues such as endograft migration, which can lead to life-threatening endoleaks. The Heli-FX EndoAnchor system aims to enhance endograft stability, yet the optimal distribution and configuration of these EndoAnchors remain poorly understood. Determining the most effective configurations to maximize displacement resistance is critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.
Project Tasks:
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Literature Review:
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Conduct a thorough review of existing studies related to EVAR, focusing on complications related to endograft migration and current fixation techniques, particularly the Heli-FX EndoAnchor system.
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Experimental Setup:
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Familiarize with the existing in vitro experimental setup used for testing the displacement force of aortic endografts.
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Validate the experimental conditions (silicone model, force sensors, and camera systems).
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Investigation of Configurations:
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Perform systematic experiments evaluating various EndoAnchor configurations, including circumferential and non-circumferential deployments.
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Record and analyze displacement resistance (Endograft Displacement Force, EDF) for each tested configuration.
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Data Analysis and Interpretation:
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Use statistical methods to compare the effectiveness of different EndoAnchor configurations.
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Interpret the results to identify configuration characteristics that significantly enhance endograft stability.
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This project provides an opportunity to directly contribute to advancing vascular surgical techniques and improve patient safety in endovascular aneurysm repairs.