Dynamic properties of the parasagittal bridging beins

Summary A method for investigating stretching of small blood vessels is presented. Stress and strain properties of the isolated parasagittal bridging veins were studied. These veins were stressed along their long axis and torn apart at various constant strainrates. The bridging vein's strain capacity was found to be dependent on strain rate, maximal strain was markedly reduced as the rate was increased. The maximal tension in the veins increases as the time to tearing decreases. The tearing tension was shown to be lower for bridging veins as compared to larger veins (femoral, popliteal, inferior vena cava).This work was supported by the Transport Research Delegation, Sweden.