Development of a simulator for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

The design and development of a simulator for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is described. The simulator consists of an interchangeable model of a human AAA based on computed tomography data and is produced by means of computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) techniques. The model has renal, iliac, and femoral arteries. and is perfused with a temperature controlled blood-analog fluid under simulated physiological flow conditions. "Fluoroscopic imaging" is simulated by a computerized imaging system that uses visible Light. A movable video camera relays images in die antero-posterior and lateral planes of the AAA to a monitor. The imaging system allows "arteriography" and "road-mapping" to be performed so as to facilitate accurate deployment of endovascular stent-grafts. The system has been used for teaching and demonstrating endovascular techniques to clinicians, as well as the evaluation of new stentgraft devices. Its successful incorporation into endovascular workshops has demonstrated its role in the training of clinicians in endovascular repair of AAA. (C) 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society. [S0090-6964(98)01605-1].