Author(s)

C. Ferraresi, A. Manuello Beretto, L. Mazza, D. Maffiodo & W. Franco

Abstract

This study concerns the identification of the opening mechanics of the aortic valve, and is aimed at developing a numerical model able to investigate the behaviour of natural and artificial valves. In order to correctly assess the biological material of the aortic root walls, from a mechanical point of view, and to evaluate the non homogeneity and anisotropy, a methodology for making tensile tests was developed. With this in mind, a tensile apparatus was fitted out operating within a controlled micro-climate. Strips of biological material were cut in different directions and in different regions of the aortic root, in order to take into account the strong anisotropy and non homogeneity of the material. The data are u

Keywords