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Creating
Biomechanically
Accurate
Vascular Models

2Creating Biomechanically
Accurate Vascular Models
To create realistic synthetic vascular models
for medical device development, physician
training, surgical demonstration, andprocedural planning, arteries must replicate
how native tissue expands and contracts aspulsatile pressures are applied. Mimicking
arterial distensibility, or an artery’s ability toexpand in response to an increase in bloodpressure, is a key biomechanical attribute.
The J750 Digital Anatomy™ 3D printertechnology gives clinicians and engineers thepower to create the most lifelike anatomicalmodels available. More than 100 clinicallyvalidated preset anatomy options—that varyin softness, flexibility, and density—mimic
human tissue like never before.

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In 2020, scientists and researchers at theJacobs Institute performed the first study ofits kind to evaluate the characteristics of J750
Digital Anatomy 3D printed vascular models
and how accurately they replicate vessel
behavior under hemodynamic pressure.

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Creating BiomechanicallyAccurate Vascular Models
Method3D printed models of the aorta, carotid artery, and coronary artery were created using the six preset DigitalAnatomy software blood vessel material configurations that range from compliant to rigid. The wall thicknessof the arteries was set to the minimum that could withstand physiological pressures.
Artery Type

Inner Diameter, ID [mm]Wall Thickness, WT [mm]Coronary

3.0

1.0

Carotid

7.0

1.5

Aorta

30

3.0

Artery Materials
CompliantSemi-Compliant
Rigid

Vessel walls were formed using varying preset ratios of flexible Agilus™ material and rigid VeroClear™
material.

CompliantModerately
compliant

Slightly compliant

Low compliant

Semi rigid

A pulsatile pump was used to circulate water at body temperature through theprinted model. Mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure were monitored andadjusted to match physiological values.
Systolic and diastolic distensibility measurements were acquired with
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS). Distensibility was then calculated based on thesemeasurements and compared to clinical values.

Rigid

LEGEND

Colors are used formaterial distinction
purposes anddo not reflect theprinted model color.

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Rigid

Flexible4

Creating Biomechanically
Accurate Vascular Models
The Results
The 3D printed arteries demonstrated accurate physiological distensibility values similar to human vessels.

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Accurately simulates the biomechanicalbehavior of vessel tissue

Enables clinically relevant benchtop
testing

Produces highly repeatable, consistentresults5

Creating Biomechanically
Accurate Vascular Models
The Conclusion
Arteries are dynamic structures that expand and contract as a result of internal blood pressures. Replicating
the movement of arteries is an important part of realistic treatment planning, education, and product testing.
The J750 Digital Anatomy printer, thereby, provides value by enabling accurate simulation.
This study suggests that the Digital Anatomy printer and its unique material combinations can create arterial
models that are biomechanically similar to human vessels.
In addition, this study demonstrates that it is both feasible and appropriate to characterize distensibility invascular models using IVUS.
Suggested Parameters for Distensible Arteries
Vessel Type

Inner Diameter [mm]Wall Thickness [mm]Material

Aorta

30

3Compliant

Carotid

91.5

Compliant,Coronary

31

Moderately Compliant
Rigid,
Semi-Rigid

To learn more about the J750 Digital Anatomy printer, materials and software,
visit stratasys.com, or you can email medical@stratasys.com with questions.

ReferencesSparks, Adam et al., “J750 Digital Anatomical Printing: A direct characterization of 3D-Printed Materials for use as Compliant Arteries using
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS),” Publication pending.

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