以可量化氣球模型簡化血管組織與預測血管疾病特徵 A Quantifiable Balloon Model for Simplifying Vascular Tissue and Predicting Features of Vascular Diseases
This study employs a balloon as a hyperelastic model to simulate the mechanical
behavior and abnormal expansion of blood vessels under various pathological conditions.
Through quantitative analysis, the research investigates how vascular diseases influence
elastic properties. First, the study demonstrates the correspondence between the physical
characteristics of balloon membranes and vascular walls, and applies physical equations for
theoretical fitting to establish a quantifiable method for elasticity analysis. The experimental
design includes four parts: (1) Multiple inflation–deflation cycles are used to model Marfan
syndrome, revealing a progressive decrease in the elastic coefficient of the balloon with
repeated cycles. (2) Ultraviolet irradiation is applied to damage molecular cross-links,
mimicking the structural hardening seen in pseudoxanthoma elasticum, with a notable
reduction in shear modulus. (3) Thermal treatment alters the molecular arrangement of the
rubber, reproducing the connective tissue relaxation observed in Loeys–Dietz syndrome. (4)
Toluene exposure induces local thinning of the balloon membrane, simulating the localized
fragility and abnormal dilation characteristic of aortic aneurysms, where decreased wall
thickness results in stress concentration and reduced elastic modulus. This study confirms the mechanical similarity between balloon membranes and vascular walls, successfully predicts the mechanical characteristics of several cardiovascular disorders, and provides a quantifiable physical basis to assist in the mechanical analysis of vascular pathologies.