Intramural Glycosaminoglycans Distribution vs. Residual Stress in Porcine Ascending Aorta: a Computational Study*

In this computational modelling work, we explored the mechanical roles that various glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) distributions may play in the porcine ascending aortic wall, by studying both the transmural residual stress as well as the opening angle in aortic ring samples. A finite element (FE) model was first constructed and validated against published data generated from rodent aortic rings. The FE model was then used to simulate the response of porcine ascending aortic rings with different GAG distributions prescribed through the wall of the aorta. The results indicated that a uniform GAG distribution within the aortic wall did not induce residual stresses, allowing the aortic ring to remain closed when subjected to a radial cut. By contrast, a heterogeneous GAG distribution led to the development of residual stresses which could be released by a radial cut, causing the ring to open. The residual stresses and opening angle were shown to be modulated by the GAG content, gradient, and the nature of the transmural distribution.