Effect of aneurysm on the mechanical dissection properties of the human ascending thoracic aorta

Objectives The acute dissection of an ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) represents a devastating separation of elastic layers occurring when the hemodynamic loads on the diseased wall exceed the adhesive strength between layers. At present, the mechanics underlying aortic dissection are largely unclear, and the biomechanical delamination properties of the aneurysmal aorta are not defined. Individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are particularly predisposed to ascending aortic aneurysm formation, with a marked risk of aortic dissection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the dissection properties of nonaneurysmal and aneurysmal human ascending thoracic aorta from patients with BAV morphology or normal tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) morphology using biomechanical delamination testing. Methods The influence on the delamination strength (Sd ) of the aorta associated with BAV was compared with that in patients with TAV. After complete delamination of ATAA tissue samples, tensile tests were performed on each delaminated half for comparison of their tensile strengths. Results The results showed that the aneurysmal aortas with BAV and TAV have lower Sd than nonaneurysmal aortas and that ATAA with BAV has a lower Sd than that with TAV. We have found a significant difference in Sd between longitudinal and circumferential directions of the nondiseased aorta, suggesting anisotropic dissection properties. Conclusions The tensile testing results suggest that the weaker intimal half of the aortic wall might fail before the outer adventitial half. Scanning electron microscope analyses suggest different failure modalities of dissection between the two morphologies, and the lower Sd in ATAAs appears to be associated with a disorganized microstructure. BAV ATAAs have a lower Sd than TAV ATAAs, suggesting a greater propensity for aortic dissection.