Methods in mechanical testing of arterial tissue: a review

Mechanical testing of arterial tissue can provide unique insights into its behaviour. As measurement and computational techniques continue to advance, new applications can be discovered that increase the accuracy of characterising tissue behaviour. This review provides an overview of the general considerations involved in testing arterial tissue and discusses the more commonly employed in vitro techniques used to assess the mechanical properties of arterial tissue, as well as emerging techniques. The more common methods discussed are uniaxial, planar biaxial and inflation testing. With the increasing precision and versatility of optical measuring systems and the rising interest in the mechanical behaviour of vessels with complex geometries and material properties, we also discuss the emerging trend of full-field measurement systems. Mechanical testing can be combined with bioreactor techniques to characterise the dynamic remodelling of arterial tissue in response to its mechanical environment. The analysis and characterisation provided by advanced mechanical testing techniques can produce and inform more accurate surgical simulations, as well as aid in the risk prediction and modelling of pathological conditions.