“Characterization of the mechanical properties of vascular tissues during growth and remodeling”

Arteries are soft tissues that play a central biomechanical role in promoting blood flow while providing mechanical resistance in response to hemodynamic loads throughout our lives. Arterial walls exhibit an adaptive response, often through remodeling processes aimed at maintaining a homeostatic mechanical state in the cardiovascular system. This evolutionary process generally results in adaptation in terms of form and function, but in some cases, it can lead to maladaptation and diseases such as aortic aneurysms and dissections.

The evolution of mechanical properties at multiple scales is crucial for adaptation and can be described by evolution equations, including the production, removal, and structural changes of constituents. This seminar explores arterial development and remodeling through a multiscale study integrating human and animal models. The study uses several experimental techniques for biaxial mechanical characterization and microstructural optical imaging. The data obtained enable the use of a numerical growth and remodeling (G&R) model, deepening our understanding of vascular pathology and supporting the design of improved clinical interventions.