Date of Award

Spring 2005

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Olson, Lars

Second Advisor

Gutterman, David

Third Advisor

Muira, Hiroto

Abstract

The intent of this thesis is to provide further insight into the distensibility of the coronary microvasculahtre and its possible correlation with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Through analysis and correlation of the distensibilities of both coronary and intestinal, the properties of which both affected by varying diseases, there may be a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the stiffening of coronary microvessels. This thesis begins with a review of the coronary and intestinal microvasculature detailing the disease processes and. how it affects the anatomy of the vessels and biomechanics of the vessel walls. The equations and models of viscous and elastic bodies are further presented in the text. How the pathology of these normal and diseased vessels is illustrated in following text. Also, a mathematical description of the distensibility of these vessels from the literature and the similar studies detailing this study are presented in the end of the introduction. Continuing on in the thesis, I then present the methods of which were taken to compile this study; followed by its comprehensive results. ln conclusion, a discussion of my results is presented with a clearer understanding of bow coronary artery disease and inflammatory bowel disease may affect the distensibilities of the coronary and intestinal microvasculature, respectively.

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