Stent Graft Deployment Increases Aortic Stiffness in an Ex-vivo Porcine Model

Abstract Background Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. In this study, the effect of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) on aortic stiffness is investigated by measuring aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) in an ex-vivo porcine model. Methods Fifteen fresh porcine thoracic aortas were connected to a benchtop pulsatile system. Intraluminal pressures were recorded in the ascending aorta and at the celiac trunk using a needle connected to a pressure sensor. The distance between the needles was divided by the time difference between the base of the pressure peaks to calculate aortic PWV at baseline and after stent graft deployment and distal stent graft extension. Results Mean aortic PWV was 5.0 m/s at baseline. PWV increased by 4% after proximal stent graft deployment (p=0.09) and by 18% after stent graft extension (p