Constitutive modeling of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms using microstructural parameters

Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) is described at tissue level by medial degeneration and biomechanical weakening of the aneurysmal wall, ultimately leading to aortic dilatation and failure [1]. Elective surgery is indicated when the aortic diameter exceeds 5.5 cm since the yearly risk of dissection or rupture rises from 3% to 7% with aneurysms >6 cm [2]. Predisposing risk factors include poorly controlled hypertension, Marfan syndrome and importantly bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Indeed, patients with BAV have a 9-fold increased risk of developing ATAA-related fatal complications compared with individuals with the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) when matched for the degree of stenosis [3].

Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - December 6, 2015 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Salvatore Pasta, Julie A. Phillippi, Alkiviadis Tsamis, Antonio D'Amore, Giuseppe M. Raffa, Michele Pilato, Cesare Scardulla, Simon C. Watkins, William R. Wagner, Thomas G. Gleason, David A. Vorp Source Type: research