The blood-materials interaction and downstream effects in prosthetic conduits.

during exercise. Similar elimination of adverse hemodynamic conditions have been demonstrated in an aortic model under exercise flow conditions.6 Since stasis has been related not only to intimal thickening but also to graft thrombosis, a structured program of exercise that would periodically “clear” the anastomosis may be beneficial in extending graft patency and minimizing intimal thickening. The amount, frequency and duration of exercise periods necessary for clinical benefit requires further investigation.