Local ex-vivo evaluation of the biomechanical properties of the ascending aortic aneurysms

Introduction Currently, surgical recommendations for aneurysm of the ascending aorta (AsAA) are based on the maximum diameter of the ascending aorta, but this factor is not reliable. Understanding the biomechanical properties of the aorta could lead to improve the prediction of the development of an AsAA. The aim of this study is to obtain the local patient specific elastic modulus distribution of the AsAA from a biaxial tensile test. Methods Pathologic ascending aortic tissue samples (n = 10) were obtained from patients undergoing elective surgical repair of AsAA ( Table 1 ). All the aortic wall samples were partitioned related to medial, posterior, lateral, and anterior quadrants. Each As…