An indentation methodology for measuring the elastic properties of biological patches used in human carotid endarterectomy

Abstract

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is one of the approaches available for the treatment of atherosclerosis, a common carotid artery disease. Patch angioplasty is the pertinent technique mostly preferred by vascular surgeons. It entails an arteriotomy followed by closure with a textile, polymer or biological tissue patch. We propose a novel indentation methodology as a technique for mechanically characterizing biological patches used in carotid artery repair. The proposed methodology is a simple, yet accurate one, requiring only one initial experimental measurement to support the relevant calculations. Bovine pericardium patches are indented herein. Results, including material properties, are then obtained analytically. The experimental results indicate that indentation is a reliable method to assess the elastic properties of bovine patches. The modulus of elasticity and relevant indentation metrics are obtained for two commercial vascular bovine patches. © 2018 The Author(s).