Hyperelastic Model of Collagen Fiber Orientation in the Fetal Growth Restricted Carotid Artery

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common complication that is associated with hypertension in the developing fetal sheep [1]. Hypertension reduces arterial compliance, introducing health problems such as increased overall hydraulic impedance and cardiac workload [2, 3]. Both organ resistance and vascular compliance are critical factors in the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [3–5] with IUGR infants showing high incidence of CVD as adults [6]. Changes in circulation and the associated intrinsic hemodynamic forces during critical gestation influence the formation of the vessels, creating stiffer, less compliant arteries. While IUGR vessels are significantly stiffer than controls, the structural remodeling in response to hypertension is not biochemically quantitative and is believed to be due to fiber alignment [7].