Characterisation of coronary arteries: mechanical testing and three-dimensional imaging

Burton, Hanna Elisabeth (2018). Characterisation of coronary arteries: mechanical testing and three-dimensional imaging. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the UK. The studies in this thesis aim to influence the design of new biomaterials and medical devices used to treat coronary artery disease through the characterisation of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries.
The mechanical properties of arteries were quantified using dynamic mechanical analysis, at physiological relevant frequencies. The surface roughness of porcine LAD coronary arteries was quantitatively measured using optical, scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopy at various magnifications to assess its multi-scale characteristics. Further, the effect of damage to surface roughness of biological tissue was investigated due to mechanical overloading and chemical processing, with a correction factor presented for the changes to surface roughness due to processing techniques associated with SEM.
This thesis found LAD arteries to be viscoelastic, with a frequency-dependent storage moduli that does not vary along the length of the artery. Processing of tissue caused a significant increase in surface roughness, which must be considered for different microscopy techniques. The dehydration process had a greater effect on surface roughness than mechanical damage. The mechanical and surface roughness properties presented in this thesis can be specified for biomaterials to replicate natural, healthy coronary arteries.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):