Biomechanical failure properties and microstructural content of ruptured and unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

► We studied whether ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms are weaker than unruptured ones. ► Multiple specimens were obtained from each of 13 aneurysms harvested at necropsy. ► Specimen caliber was assessed by mechanical testing, histology and histochemistry. ► Ruptured aneurysms were not globally weaker than unruptured ones.