Profilometry.

<p>Representative high and low power images of optical profilometry using area scale fractal complexity of control and and used eSheaths.</p

high power ESEM.

<p>Representative high and low power images of environmental scanning electron microscope of control and and used eSheaths.</p

WLI.

<p>Representative high and low power images of environmental scanning electron microscope of control and and used eSheaths.</p

Results bar chart.

<p>Mean data of the number, depth and area of luminal trails using environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), white light interferometry (WLI) and optical profilometry using area scale fractal complexity (asfc) by a standardized 3D-surface-measurement system.</p

Results data table of ESEM, WLI and Alicona in 14F and 16F eSheath.

<p>Results data table of ESEM, WLI and Alicona in 14F and 16F eSheath.</p

Preparation and assessment of the eSheath.

<p>The current generation eSheath for the Edwards SAPIEN 3 TAVR is a nominal 14F (23 and 26 mm valves) or 16F (29 mm valve) femoral sheath. The arterial sheath consists of a flexible part (360 mm) which is placed into the femoral artery (~270 mm) except for the outer sleeve at the very proximal part (~90 mm). A rigid proximal extracorporeal section includes the bleed-back prevention mechanism of the eSheath. eSheaths were cut by a medical scalpel in 5 mm rings at the proximal, medial and distal part of the eSheath. Four view fields (A, B, C, D) were assessed for the luminal integrity by ESEM, WLI and profilometry. ESEM cross section of the eSheath showed an inner, medial and outer polymer layer.</p