Finite element modeling of the thoracic aorta: including aortic root motion to evaluate the risk of aortic dissection

Objective: We propose that the aortic root motion plays an important role in aortic dissection. Methods and results: A finite element model of the aortic root, arch and branches of the arch was built to assess the influence of aortic root displacement and pressure on the aortic wall stress. The larg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of medical engineering & technology 2008-03, Vol.32 (2), p.167-170
Main Authors: Beller, C. J., Labrosse, M. R., Thubrikar, M. J., Robicsek, F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aneurysm, Dissecting - physiopathology
Aorta, Thoracic - physiopathology
Aortic Aneurysm - physiopathology
Aortic dissection
Aortic root motion
Blood Flow Velocity
Blood Pressure
Computer Simulation
Elasticity
Finite Element Analysis
Humans
Mechanical stress
Models, Cardiovascular
Movement
Risk Assessment - methods
Risk Factors
Shear Strength
Stress, Mechanical
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Summary:Objective: We propose that the aortic root motion plays an important role in aortic dissection. Methods and results: A finite element model of the aortic root, arch and branches of the arch was built to assess the influence of aortic root displacement and pressure on the aortic wall stress. The largest stress increase due to aortic root displacement was found at approximately 2 cm above the top of the aortic valve. There, the longitudinal stress increased by 50% to 0.32 MPa when 8.9 mm axial displacement was applied in addition to 120 mmHg luminal pressure. A similar result was observed when the pressure load was increased to 180 mmHg without axial displacement. Conclusions: Both aortic root displacement and hypertension significantly increase the longitudinal stress in the ascending aorta, which could play a decisive role in the development of various aortic pathologies, including aortic dissection.
ISSN:0309-1902
1464-522X
DOI:10.1080/03091900600687672