Artery buckling analysis using a two-layered wall model with collagen dispersion

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Artery buckling is linked to vascular diseases.
• Arterial wall microstructure changes with aging and disease.
• Understanding microstructure-artery buckling relationship is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop arterial buckling equations for a two-layered arterial wall model.
• Incorporate dispersed collagen fiber distribution into the model.
• Relate microscopic arterial wall structure to buckling behavior.

Main Methods:

• Tested porcine carotid arteries for buckling pressure at various axial stretch ratios.
• Determined mechanical properties using pressurized inflation tests.
• Modeled collagen alignment using a modified von Mises distribution and developed microstructure-motivated strain energy functions.

Main Results:

• Collagen fibers exhibit distinct orientations in adventitia and media layers.
• The two-layered model accurately predicted artery buckling behavior.
• Increased collagen fiber dispersion correlated with increased critical buckling pressure.

Conclusions:

• Validated microstructure-based artery buckling equations.
• Established a foundation for predicting arterial stability changes due to aging and disease.
• Highlighted the importance of collagen fiber dispersion in artery mechanics.