Static Elastic Properties of the Left Coronary Circumflex Artery and the Common Carotid Artery in Dogs

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Abstract
Static elastic properties were studied in isolated segments of the left coronary circumflex artery (LCCA) and the right common carotid artery (CA) from 14 dogs at in-vivo values of pressure and length. A microscope with a Filar micrometer was used to measure radius and length. From these data it was possible to study the pressure-radius relationship and compute various anisotropic elastic moduli as well as the strain energy density (SED). Results indicate: (1) Both arteries exhibited hysteresis which could be minimized within two inflation-deflation cycles. (2) The pressure-radius relationship at constant length was essentially linear over a pressure range corresponding to the in-vivo pulse pressure. (3) The value of volume distensibility was 3.4 x 10 -6 cm 2 /dyne for LCCA and 1.5 x 10 -6 cm 2 /dyne for CA. (4) LCCA was more distensible than CA in the circumferential direction. (5) LCCA was stiffer in the longitudinal direction than in the circumferential direction; the reverse was true of CA. (6) SED values at physiologic dimensions were 314 x 10 3 dyne/cm 2 for LCCA and 226 x 10 3 dyne/cm 2 for CA. These values could be reproduced within 6% when the loading procedure was altered.