An Experimental Setup based on 3D Printing to test Viscoelastic Arterial Models

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, emphasizing the need for advanced and effective intervention and treatment measures. Hypertension, a significant risk factor for CVDs, is characterized by reduced vascular compliance in arterial vessels. There is a significant rise in interest in exploring the viscoelastic properties of arteries in the last few years, for the treatment of these diseases. This study aims to develop an experimental setup using 3D Printing Technology to test viscoelastic arterial models for the validation of a diagnostic device for cardiovascular diseases. The research investigates the selection of polymer-based materials that closely mimic the viscoelastic properties of arterial vessels. An experimental setup is designed and fabricated to perform mechanical tests on 3D-printed specimens. The study utilizes a mathematical model to describe the viscoelastic behavior of the materials. The model's predictions are validated using experimental data obtained from the mechanical tests. This study demonstrates the potential of 3D printing technology in fabricating specimens using elastic and flexible resin materials. These specimens closely replicate the mechanical properties of native arteries, offering a tangible platform for controlled mechanical testing. Stress relaxation tests on the3D printed specimens highlight the viscoelastic properties of fabricated materials, shedding light on their behavior under strain. The study goes further to model the mechanics of these materials, utilizing the Fractional Voigt model to capture the intricate balance between elastic and resistive behaviors under varying deformation levels. The results highlight the successful fitting of the Fractional Voigt model to the experimental data, confirming the viscoelastic behavior of the specimens. The obtained values of α and RMSE indicate a good representation of arterial mechanical properties within the viscoelastic arterial model, under different loading conditions. This research contributes to improving cardiovascular device validation and offers a practical and reliable alternative to invasive experiments. Future works include exploring different materials and conditions for arterial modeling and enhancing the precision and scope of the viscoelastic model. Overall, this study advances the understanding of cardiovascular biomechanics, contributing to the development of more effective diagnostic devices for cardiovascular diseases.