A Novel Method for In Vitro 3D Imaging of Dissecting Pressurized Arterial Segments Using X-Ray Microtomography

Abstract

Background:: It is commonly admitted that a dissection initiates with an intimal tear or at least a defect inside the arterial wall. Nevertheless, few studies investigated the initiation sequence due to the difficulty to monitor this process. Objective:: The objective of this work was to observe and investigate the mechanisms leading an intimal tear to propagate into a dissection. Methods:: A custom-made tension-inflation device fitting inside an X-ray microtomography setup was designed. A notch was created inside a porcine carotid artery before performing the tension-inflation test. The X-ray tomography setup allowed observing the wall-structure and the notch behavior during the inflation of the carotid artery. Results:: A quantitative description of the notch morphology was performed, suggesting the prevalence of high shear stress in the region of the crack tip as a possible trigger for propagation of a dissection. Conclusions:: The present experimental approach allowed understanding better the mechanisms leading to dissection and constitutes a first step toward the improvement of failure modeling and risk assessment of this disease.