Experimental characterization of the mechanical properties of the superior sagittal sinus-bridging vein complex

Acute subdural hematoma is one of the most frequent head injuries observed in victims of bicycle-related accidents. For nearly one third of the acute subdural hematoma cases, the etiopathology directly relates to the rupture of a bridging vein. To gain a better insight into the biomechanical characteristics of acute subdural hematoma following a head impact, an accurate description of the bridging vein material behaviour is essential. This study focuses on describing the material failure characteristics of the bridging vein - superior sagittal sinus complex. The junction of these bridging veins to the superior sagittal sinus has been described in the literature as an area with distinct vein wall architecture, and this should be taken into account since it might play an important role in the biomechanical response of the bridging vein to a head impact. A total of 63 bridging vein units were dissected and tested under axial loading conditions at strain rates ranging from 2.7 s-1 to 20.9 s-1. From the obtained load and displacement data, the ultimate stress and strain, Young's modulus and yield stress and strain were calculated. Next, a comparison is made with published bridging vein data at lower strain rates to investigate strain rate dependency. Based on the presented data, no strain rate sensitivity could be observed in the bridging vein material behaviour. However, a gender influence was seen in both the bridging vein's geometry and failure characteristics. © Katholieke Universiteit Leuven 2012.

Publication year:2011

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Authors from:Higher Education