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Pejcic et al. Vessel Plus 2019;3:32 Vessel Plus
DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2019.18

Review Open Access

Characterizing the mechanical properties of the
aortic wall

Sonja Pejcic , Syed M. Ali Hassan , David E. Rival , Gianluigi Bisleri 2
1
2
1
1 Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V9, Canada.
2 Division of Cardiac Surgery, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada.
Correspondence to: Prof. Gianluigi Bisleri, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada.
E-mail: gianluigi.bisleri@queensu.ca

How to cite this article: Pejcic S, Hassan SMA, Rival DE, Bisleri G. Characterizing the mechanical properties of the aortic wall.
Vessel Plus 2019;3:32. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2019.18

Received: 13 Jun 2019 First Decision: 10 Jul 2019 Revised: 9 Aug 2019 Accepted: 27 Aug 2019 Published: 5 Sep 2019

Science Editor: Mario F. L. Gaudino Copy Editor: Jia-Jia Meng Production Editor: Tian Zhang

Abstract
Characterizing the physical properties of the aortic wall is essential to understanding the causes of cardiovascular
diseases, such as aneurysms. Modelling compliant, anisotropic, multilayered tubes such as the aorta has proven to be
a challenge. In vitro studies of the mechanical properties of arteries incorporate a variety of testing methods; however,
the majority of these tests fail to replicate the complex, transmural loading conditions arising from pulsatile flow.
These methods include typical tensile tests, both in uniaxial and biaxial set-ups, bulge inflation tests and extension-
inflation tests. Bulge-inflation tests grant material information in response to biaxial loading but still do not mimic proper
cylindrical loading conditions. Extension-inflation tests capture the cylindrical loading but have only been performed
with static pressurization and with rigid boundary conditions in effect. This review aims to present the current state of
the biomechanical characterization of arterial walls, particularly the aorta, through discussion of testing methods and
their findings. We emphasize literature that focuses on prediction of aneurysm rupture risk. Moreover, overarching
concepts such as histological effects, age dependent effects, segmental effects, hemodynamic effects, viscoelastic
modelling and torsion will be briefly explored. An understanding of the current limitations of testing will hopefully lead
to the development of more robust in vitro test methods that will further elucidate the relationship between changing
vessel wall mechanics and cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Aortic aneurysm, biomechanical testing, aortic stiffness, aortic rupture

INTRODUCTION
Aortic aneurysm can be a life-threatening condition, representing a serious mortality risk of 80% if rupture
[1]
occurs . There is a significant decline in mortality risk if aneurysms are electively treated with aortic
© The Author(s) 2019. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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