Experimental characterization of residual deformations in human descending thoracic aortas

The effect of residual stresses on the deformation of human aortas under pulsatile pressure is relevant. Experimental measurements of residual deformations are necessary to characterize residual stresses in human aortas. For this reason, an experimental study is carried out. In the present study, longitudinal and circumferential strips from descending thoracic aortas obtained from 21 donors, harvested during organ donation explant, underwent residual deformation measurements. The intact wall and the three separated layers were tested in both directions, resulting in 8 tests per donor, which gives a relevant set of experimental data for further studies. Results show significant residual deformations both in circumferential and longitudinal directions, which are compatible with a significantly compressed intima in the unloaded aorta. In particular, the measured mean effective curvature was -0.193 +/- 0.064 (1/mm) for the circumferential strips and -0.076 +/- 0.030 (1/mm) for longitudinal strips of the full wall. The effects of age and gender were also investigated.