To analyze the effects of decellularisation on the biomechanical proprieties of porcine common carotid arteries, decellularisation was performed by a detergent-enzymatic procedure, which preserves extracellular matrix scaffold. Internal diameter, external diameter and wall thickness were measured by optic microscopy on neighbouring histological sections before and after decellularisation. Rupture tests were conducted. Inner diameter and wall thickness were measured by echotracking during pressure inflation from 10 to 145 mmHg. Distensibility and incremental elastic modulus were computed. At 10 mmHg, mean diameter of decellularised arteries was 5.38 mm, substantially higher than controls (4.1 mm), whereas both decellularised and control arteries reached the same internal diameter value (6.7 mm) at 145 mmHg. Wall thickness decrease was 16% for decellularised and 32% for the normal arteries after pressure increase from 10 to 145 mmHg. Decellularised arteries withstood pressure above 2200 mmHg before rupture. At 145 mmHg, decellularisation reduced compliance by 66% and increased incremental elastic modulus by 54%. Removing cellular elements from media lead to changes in arterial dimensions. Collagen fibers engaged more rapidly during inflation, thus yielding a stiffer vessel. Distensibility was therefore significantly lower in decellularised vessels, reaching a factor three reduction in the physiological range of pressures. In conclusion, decellularisation yields vessels able to withstand high inflation pressures with, however, markedly different geometrical and biomechanical properties. This may mean that the potential use of a decellularised artery as a scaffold for the creation of xenografts may be compromised due to geometrical and compliance mismatch.