Method for the quantification of rupture probability in soft collagenous tissues

Area of Science:

• Computational mechanics
• Biomaterials science
• Medical engineering

Background:

• Rupture of soft collagenous tissues, such as in atherosclerotic arteries and abdominal aortic aneurysms, can have fatal consequences.
• Quantitative risk assessment for medical interventions is crucial but challenging due to unknown tissue properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a computational method for assessing rupture probabilities in soft collagenous tissues.
• To enable quantitative risk estimation for medical treatment decisions by providing optimal bounds on rupture probability.

Main Methods:

• Numerical minimization and maximization of failure probabilities based on random input quantities (e.g., tissue properties).
• Utilizes restricted knowledge of probability distributions, as these are often unknown for soft tissues.
• Incorporates stretch-based and damage-based rupture criteria evaluated via numerical simulations of loaded tissues using continuum mechanical formulations.

Main Results:

• The method provides optimal bounds on rupture probability, offering a quantitative risk estimation.
• Demonstrates applicability through numerical examples, including an overstretched atherosclerotic artery.
• The approach captures the supra-physiological behavior of soft collagenous tissues.

Conclusions:

• The presented computational method offers a robust approach to estimate rupture risks in soft tissues.
• It facilitates informed medical treatment decisions by quantifying potential risks.
• The method is extendable to various mechanical rupture criteria and tissue types.