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A numerical model to predict abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion based on local wall stress and stiffness

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Abstract

Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta enlarge until rupture occurs. We assume that this is the result of remodelling to restore wall stress. We developed a numerical model to predict aneurysm expansion based on this assumption. In addition, we obtained aneurysm geometry of 11 patients from computed tomography angiographic images to obtain patient specific calculations. The assumption of a wall stress related expansion indeed resulted in a series of local expansions, adjusting global geometry in an exponential fashion similar as in patients. Furthermore, it revealed that location of peak wall stress changed over time. The assumptions of this model are discussed in detail in this manuscript, and the implications are related to literature findings.

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Abbreviations

AAA:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

CTA:

Computer tomography angiography

3D:

Three dimensional

FEM:

Finite element methods

MMPs:

Matrix metalloproteinases

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Acknowledgments

This research was performed in the scope of the Hemodyn project, a cooperation between Philips Healthcare Best (Healthcare Informatics), Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (Biomedical Engineering department) and Erasmus MC (Thoraxcenter, Biomedical Engineering), Rotterdam, The Netherlands, The Hemodyn project was partly funded by SenterNovem (Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    F. Helderman, I. J. Manoch & A. F. W. van der Steen

  2. Healthcare Informatics, Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands

    M. Breeuwer & U. Kose

  3. Department of Vascular Surgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    O. Schouten & D. Poldermans

  4. Department of Vascular Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    M. R. M. van Sambeek

  5. Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    P. T. M. Pattynama

  6. Department of Surgery, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    W. Wisselink

  7. Department of Physics and Medical Technology, VU University medical center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    F. Helderman

  8. Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, London, UK

    R. Krams

Authors
  1. F. Helderman
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  2. I. J. Manoch
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  3. M. Breeuwer
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  4. U. Kose
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  5. O. Schouten
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  6. M. R. M. van Sambeek
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  7. D. Poldermans
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  8. P. T. M. Pattynama
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  9. W. Wisselink
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  10. A. F. W. van der Steen
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  11. R. Krams
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Correspondence to F. Helderman.

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Helderman, F., Manoch, I.J., Breeuwer, M. et al. A numerical model to predict abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion based on local wall stress and stiffness. Med Biol Eng Comput 46, 1121–1127 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-008-0358-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-008-0358-3

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