Data from: Fluid-dynamic optimal design of helical vascular graft for stenotic disturbed flow

Although a helical configuration of a prosthetic vascular graft appears to
be clinically beneficial in suppressing thrombosis and intimal
hyperplasia, an optimization of a helical design has yet to be achieved
because of the lack of a detailed understanding on hemodynamic features in
helical grafts and their fluid dynamic influences. In the present study,
the swirling flow in a helical graft was hypothesized to have beneficial
influences on a disturbed flow structure such as stenotic flow. The
characteristics of swirling flows generated by helical tubes with various
helical pitches and curvatures were investigated to prove the hypothesis.
The fluid dynamic influences of these helical tubes on stenotic flow were
quantitatively analysed by using a particle image velocimetry technique.
Results showed that the swirling intensity and helicity of the swirling
flow have a linear relation with a modified Germano number (Gn*) of the
helical pipe. In addition, the swirling flow generated a beneficial flow
structure at the stenosis by reducing the size of the recirculation flow
under steady and pulsatile flow conditions. Therefore, the beneficial
effects of a helical graft on the flow field can be estimated by using the
magnitude of Gn*. Finally, an optimized helical design with a maximum Gn*
was suggested for the future design of a vascular graft.