The relationship between regional mechanical properties and hemodynamic indices of the aortic arch: a preliminary...

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between regional elastic modulus and corresponding hemodynamic indices of healthy aortic arch. Porcine aortic arches (n=18) were obtained from a local abattoir and divided into 24 regions along axial and circumferential directions. Regional elastic modulus was measured by indentation tests, and elastic fiber content was assessed using Elastica van Gieson (EVG) staining. Additionally, a porcine aortic model was reconstructed based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) images, and local hemodynamic indices were calculated by the two-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method. The elastic modulus and elastic fiber content were inclined to be lower on the outer curvature of the aortic arch, particularly showing significant differences at the distal end. A negative correlation was found between elastic modulus and time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) $$ ) at the proximal end of the porcine aortic arch. There was a significant positive correlation between elastic modulus and oscillatory shear index (OSI) $$ at the middle of the aortic arch. The regional elastic modulus of healthy porcine aortic arch is associated with local TAWSS and OSI. The hemodynamic environment could be a contributing factor influencing the distribution of the mechanical properties on the arch.