On the deformation of the circumflex coronary artery during inflation tests at constant length

Here we investigate whether the deformation observed in an experiment in which the porcine circumflex coronary artery is subjected to inflation at constant length included in the class, r-r (R), θ=Θ z= ΛZ. We find that this is not the case and discuss its implications in the study of the mechanics of this artery. Moreover, we identify and quantify the uncertainty in the value of the invariants of the left Cauchy - Green tensor inferred from the 2D motion of markers affixed to the surface of the test specimen, and suggest that 3D tracking of markers is needed due to inherent bending and twisting induced by pressurization in vitro. © Society for Experimental Mechanics 2006.