GEOMETRY AND ELASTIC RESPONSE OF THE AORTIC-ILIAC JUNCTION

The geometry and the pressure-radius relationship of the aortic trifurcation region were studied in vitro in 10 dogs. The cross-sectional area changed gradually from a circular shape in the lower abdominal aorta to an oval form in the proximal part of the junction, then became asymmetric and eventually separated into 3 circular cross-sections. The cross-sectional area increased rapidly at the junction and then tapered off at the separation point. The elastic response in the physiologic pressure range indicated that the junction was stiffer than the iliac artery which in turn was stiffer than the lower abdominal aorta. © 1979.