PERIPHERAL ARTERY MEDICAL DEVICE DURABILITY TESTER AND METHOD

摘要

Apparatus tests the durability of a peripheral artery medical device based upon anatomical loading conditions. A peripheral artery medical device is mounted to a support element, typically a hollow tube, having first and second end portions. End holding elements are mounted to a base and are secured to the first and second end portions. The apparatus further comprises means for applying a plurality of cycles of at least one of the following loading conditions to the medical device support element at the location of the peripheral artery medical device: torsion, tension/compression, bending and pinching. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises an environmental chamber housing at least the support element so to mimic the service temperature environment of the medical device. A method for testing the durability of a peripheral artery medical device based upon anatomical loading conditions is also disclosed.