Frequency dependent hysteresis of silicone and latex mock arteries used in stent testing

Mock arteries also called as mock vessels are one of the best alternatives available to researchers in evaluating the mechanical characteristics and durability of intravascular medical products without having to use animal and human clinical studies. The behavior of mock arteries depends on the frequency of loading. This makes it essential to evaluate and analyze the compliance and hysteresis of the mock arteries at different frequencies. Hysteresis, the difference in the pressure-volume curve between the loading cycle and the unloading cycle, plays an important role in determining the mechanical properties of the mock arteries. Six each of silicone and latex mock arteries were tested for this study. Three silicone and three latex mock arteries were tested at room temperature for dynamic internal compliance, and the remaining three each of silicone and latex mock arteries were soaked in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 36 hours and then compliance tested using a dynamic compliance tester. All arteries were tested at four different frequencies: 72, 500, 1000, and 1500 beats per minute.