Ablation is a common medical procedure, which alters both the structure and function of the ablated tissue. However, in small percentage of cases, it can cause collateral damage of surrounding vital structures, which can have severe clinical implications. Hence, it is important to understand the biomechanical properties of all tissues that may be potentially affected by ablation, to not only maximize the efficacy of ablative procedures but also minimize collateral damage. In this investigation, we have developed unique methodologies to assess the biomechanical properties of various tissues under uniaxial stresses. The biomechanical properties include measurement of force–displacement graphs, stress–strain characteristics, calculations of avulsion forces, avulsion strains, energies associated with avulsions, and the elastic moduli of various tissues. By performing and comparing animal results with freshly obtained human tissue, we hope to make this work translational.
Uniaxial pull testing (tensile strength measurements) was performed to assess biomechanical properties of various tissues,...