Improvement of Young modulus estimation by ultrasound using static pressure steps

Abstract

In this work the radial displacement of the arterial wall is measured using a cross correlation algorithm. An elastic model for static pressure conditions is developed, fit to the boundary conditions of the physical problem. Measuring the wall displacements as pressure changes the biomechanical behavior of the arterial wall can be characterized. Validation measurements were performed in a calibrated latex tube. The obtained experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical model. Human arteries were also characterized. The typical non linear pressure-diameter behavior due to the presence of elastine and collagen was observed. Human arteries with atheroma plaques were also studied presenting a different Young modulus than the healthy ones. From these results we conclude that this method could be used in the characterization of arterial mechanical alterations and/or in the post-implant biomechanical evaluation of vascular grafts.