Biomechanics of Aortic Dissection: A Comparison of Aortas Associated With Bicuspid and Tricuspid Aortic Valves

Aneurysmal ascending aortas were collected from elective aortic surgery, and normal aortas from transplant donors, and dissected aortas from surgery for aortic dissection. These aortas underwent delamination testing in simulation of aortic dissection. Biaxial tensile testing was performed to determine modulus of elasticity (aortic stiffness), and energy loss (a measure of efficiency in performing the Windkessel function). Delamination strength (Sd) was lowest in dissected aortas and highest in normal aortas, and aneurysms fell in between, with greater Sd in the BAV group than the TAV group (P