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Mansouri M, Therasse E, Montagnon E, Zhan YO, Lessard S, Roy A, Boucher LM, Steinmetz O, Aslan E, Tang A, Chartrand-Lefebvre C, Soulez G. CT analysis of aortic calcifications to predict abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:3903-3911. [PMID: 37999728 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10429-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture prediction based on sex and diameter could be improved. The goal was to assess whether aortic calcification distribution could better predict AAA rupture through machine learning and LASSO regression. METHODOLOGY In this retrospective study, 80 patients treated for a ruptured AAA between January 2001 and August 2018 were matched with 80 non-ruptured patients based on maximal AAA diameter, age, and sex. Calcification volume and dispersion, morphologic, and clinical variables were compared between both groups using a univariable analysis with p = 0.05 and multivariable analysis through machine learning and LASSO regression. We used AUC for machine learning and odds ratios for regression to measure performance. RESULTS Mean age of patients was 74.0 ± 8.4 years and 89% were men. AAA diameters were equivalent in both groups (80.9 ± 17.5 vs 79.0 ± 17.3 mm, p = 0.505). Ruptured aneurysms contained a smaller number of calcification aggregates (18.0 ± 17.9 vs 25.6 ± 18.9, p = 0.010) and were less likely to have a proximal neck (45.0% vs 76.3%, p < 0.001). In the machine learning analysis, 5 variables were associated to AAA rupture: proximal neck, antiplatelet use, calcification number, Euclidian distance between calcifications, and standard deviation of the Euclidian distance. A follow-up LASSO regression was concomitant with the findings of the machine learning analysis regarding calcification dispersion but discordant on calcification number. CONCLUSION There might be more to AAA calcifications that what is known in the present literature. We need larger prospective studies to investigate if indeed, calcification dispersion affects rupture risk. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Ruptured aneurysms are possibly more likely to have their calcification volume concentrated in a smaller geographical area. KEY POINTS • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture prediction based on sex and diameter could be improved. • For a given calcification volume, AAAs with well-distributed calcification clusters could be less likely to rupture. • A machine learning model including AAA calcifications better predicts rupture compared to a model based solely on maximal diameter and sex alone, although it might be prone to overfitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mansouri
- Department of Radiology, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Eric Therasse
- Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM), 1051 Rue Sanguinet, Montreal, QC, H2X 3E4, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Laboratory of Clinical Imaging Processing, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Montagnon
- Laboratory of Clinical Imaging Processing, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ying Olivier Zhan
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Simon Lessard
- Laboratory of Clinical Imaging Processing, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Aubert Roy
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Louis-Martin Boucher
- Department of Radiology, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Oren Steinmetz
- Department of Vascular Surgery, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Emre Aslan
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - An Tang
- Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM), 1051 Rue Sanguinet, Montreal, QC, H2X 3E4, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Laboratory of Clinical Imaging Processing, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Carl Chartrand-Lefebvre
- Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM), 1051 Rue Sanguinet, Montreal, QC, H2X 3E4, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Laboratory of Clinical Imaging Processing, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gilles Soulez
- Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM), 1051 Rue Sanguinet, Montreal, QC, H2X 3E4, Canada.
- Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Laboratory of Clinical Imaging Processing, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Research Center (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Silva NP, Amin B, Dunne E, Hynes N, O’Halloran M, Elahi A. Implantable Pressure-Sensing Devices for Monitoring Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Post-Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:3526. [PMID: 38894317 PMCID: PMC11175030 DOI: 10.3390/s24113526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, there has been extensive research into surveillance methods for the post-endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, highlighting the importance of these technologies in supplementing or even replacing conventional image-screening modalities. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status of alternative surveillance solutions for endovascular aneurysm repair, while also identifying potential aneurysm features that could be used to develop novel monitoring technologies. It offers a comprehensive review of these recent clinical advances, comparing new and standard clinical practices. After introducing the clinical understanding of abdominal aortic aneurysms and exploring current treatment procedures, the paper discusses the current surveillance methods for endovascular repair, contrasting them with recent pressure-sensing technologies. The literature on three commercial pressure-sensing devices for post-endovascular repair surveillance is analyzed. Various pre-clinical and clinical studies assessing the safety and efficacy of these devices are reviewed, providing a comparative summary of their outcomes. The review of the results from pre-clinical and clinical studies suggests a consistent trend of decreased blood pressure in the excluded aneurysm sac post-repair. However, despite successful pressure readings from the aneurysm sac, no strong link has been established to translate these measurements into the presence or absence of endoleaks. Furthermore, the results do not allow for a conclusive determination of ongoing aneurysm sac growth. Consequently, a strong clinical need persists for monitoring endoleaks and aneurysm growth following endovascular repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno P. Silva
- Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (B.A.); (E.D.); (M.O.)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Bilal Amin
- Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (B.A.); (E.D.); (M.O.)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Eoghan Dunne
- Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (B.A.); (E.D.); (M.O.)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Niamh Hynes
- Western Vascular Institute, Galway Clinic, Doughiska Road, H91 HHT0 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Martin O’Halloran
- Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (B.A.); (E.D.); (M.O.)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Adnan Elahi
- Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (B.A.); (E.D.); (M.O.)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
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A systematic review summarizing local vascular characteristics of aneurysm wall to predict for progression and rupture risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms. J Vasc Surg 2023; 77:288-298.e2. [PMID: 35843510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE At present, the rupture risk prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and, hence, the clinical decision making regarding the need for surgery, is determined by the AAA diameter and growth rate. However, these measures provide limited predictive information. In the present study, we have summarized the measures of local vascular characteristics of the aneurysm wall that, independently of AAA size, could predict for AAA progression and rupture. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science up to September 13, 2021 to identify relevant studies investigating the relationship between local vascular characteristics of the aneurysm wall and AAA growth or rupture in humans. A quality assessment was performed using the ROBINS-I (risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions) tool. All included studies were divided by four types of measures of arterial wall characteristics: metabolism, calcification, intraluminal thrombus, and compliance. RESULTS A total of 20 studies were included. Metabolism of the aneurysm wall, especially when measured by ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide uptake, and calcification were significantly related to AAA growth. A higher intraluminal thrombus volume and thickness had correlated positively with the AAA growth in one study but in another study had correlated negatively. AAA compliance demonstrated no correlation with AAA growth and rupture. The aneurysmal wall characteristics showed no association with AAA rupture. However, the metabolism, measured via ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide uptake, but none of the other measures, showed a trend toward a relationship with AAA rupture, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The current measures of aortic wall characteristics have the potential to predict for AAA growth, especially the measures of metabolism and calcification. Evidence regarding AAA rupture is scarce, and, although more work is needed, aortic wall metabolism could potentially be related to AAA rupture. This highlights the role of aortic wall characteristics in the progression of AAA but also has the potential to improve the prediction of AAA growth and rupture.
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Lorenzen US, Eiberg JP, Hultgren R, Wanhainen A, Langenskiöld M, Sillesen HH, Bredahl KK. The Short-term Predictive Value of Vessel Wall Stiffness on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth. Ann Vasc Surg 2021; 77:187-194. [PMID: 34437978 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surveillance programs are currently based solely on AAA diameter. The diameter criterion alone, however, seems inadequate as small AAAs comprise 5-10 % of ruptured AAAs as well as some large AAAs never rupture. Aneurysm wall stiffness has been suggested to predict rupture and growth; this study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of AAA vessel wall stiffness for growth on prospectively collected data. METHODS Analysis was based on data from a randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial investigating mast-cell-inhibitors to halt aneurysm growth (the AORTA trial). Systolic and diastolic AAA diameter was determined in 326 patients using electrocardiogram-gated ultrasound (US). Stiffness was calculated at baseline and after 1 year. RESULTS Maximum AAA diameter increased from 44.1 mm to 46.5 mm during the study period. Aneurysm growth after 1 year was not predicted by baseline stiffness (-0.003 mm/U; 95 % CI: -0.007 to 0.001 mm/U; P = 0.15). Throughout the study period, stiffness remained unchanged (8.3 U; 95 % CI: -2.5 to 19.1 U; P = 0.13) and without significant correlation to aneurysm growth (R: 0.053; P = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS Following a rigorous US protocol, this study could not confirm AAA vessel wall stiffness as a predictor of aneurysm growth in a 1-year follow-up design. The need for new and subtle methods to complement diameter for improved AAA risk assessment is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonas P Eiberg
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rebecka Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; Department of Vascular Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Wanhainen
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Vascular Surgery, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Marcus Langenskiöld
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenurg, Sweden
| | - Henrik H Sillesen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim K Bredahl
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Numerical investigation of patient-specific thoracic aortic aneurysms and comparison with normal subject via computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Med Biol Eng Comput 2020; 59:71-84. [PMID: 33225424 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-020-02287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular hemodynamics play an important role in cardiovascular diseases. This work aimed to investigate the effects of an increase in ascending aortic diameter (AAD) on hemodynamics throughout a cardiac cycle for real patients. In this study, two scans of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) subject with different AADs (42.94 mm and 48.01 mm) and a scan of a normal subject (19.81 mm) were analyzed to assess the effects of hemodynamics on the progression of TAA with the same flow rate. Real-patient aortic geometries were scanned by computed tomography angiography (CTA), and steady and pulsatile flow conditions were used to simulate real patient aortic geometries. Aortic arches were obtained from routine clinical scans. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed with in vivo boundary conditions, and 3D Navier-Stokes equations were solved by a UDF (user-defined function) code defining a real cardiac cycle of one patient using Fourier series (FS). Wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure distributions were presented from normal subject to TAA cases. The results show that during the peak systolic phase pressure load increased by 18.56% from normal subject to TAA case 1 and by 23.8% from normal subject to TAA case 2 in the aneurysm region. It is concluded that although overall WSS increased in aneurysm cases but was low in dilatation areas. As a result, abnormal changes in WSS and higher pressure load may lead to rupture and risk of further dilatation. CFD simulations were highly effective to guide clinical predictions and assess the progress of aneurysm regions in case of early surgical intervention. Graphical abstract.
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Wang Y, Li H, Guo Y, Lee WN. Bidirectional Ultrasound Elastographic Imaging Framework for Non-invasive Assessment of the Non-linear Behavior of a Physiologically Pressurized Artery. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2019; 45:1184-1196. [PMID: 30876671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Studies of non-destructive bidirectional ultrasound assessment of non-linear mechanical behavior of the artery are scarce in the literature. We hereby propose derivation of a strain-shear modulus relationship as a new graphical diagnostic index using an ultrasound elastographic imaging framework, which encompasses our in-house bidirectional vascular guided wave imaging (VGWI) and ultrasound strain imaging (USI). This framework is used to assess arterial non-linearity in two orthogonal (i.e., longitudinal and circumferential) directions in the absence of non-invasive pressure measurement. Bidirectional VGWI estimates longitudinal (μL) and transverse (μT) shear moduli, whereas USI estimates radial strain (ɛr). Vessel-mimicking phantoms (with and without longitudinal pre-stretch) and in vitro porcine aortas under static and/or dynamic physiologic intraluminal pressure loads were examined. ɛr was found to be a suitable alternative to intraluminal pressure for representation of cyclic loading on the artery wall. Results revealed that μT values of all samples examined increased non-linearly with εr magnitude and more drastically than μL, whereas μL values of only the pre-stretched phantoms and aortas increased with ɛr magnitude. As a new graphical representation of arterial non-linearity and function, strain-shear modulus loops derived by the proposed framework over two consecutive dynamic loading cycles differentiated sample pre-conditions and corroborated direction-dependent non-linear mechanical behaviors of the aorta with high estimation repeatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahua Wang
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - He Li
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yuexin Guo
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei-Ning Lee
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Engineering Programme, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Boczar KE, Cheung K, Boodhwani M, Beauchesne L, Dennie C, Nagpal S, Chan K, Coutinho T. Sex Differences in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Growth. Hypertension 2019; 73:190-196. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.11851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E. Boczar
- From the Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, ON, Canada (K.E.B., L.B., K.C., T.C.)
| | - Katie Cheung
- The Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada (K.C.)
| | - Munir Boodhwani
- Division of Cardiac Surgery (M.B.), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, ON, Canada
| | - Luc Beauchesne
- From the Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, ON, Canada (K.E.B., L.B., K.C., T.C.)
| | - Carole Dennie
- Department of Radiology (C.D.), The Ottawa Hospital, ON, Canada
| | - Sudhir Nagpal
- Division of Vascular Surgery (S.N.), The Ottawa Hospital, ON, Canada
| | - Kwan Chan
- From the Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, ON, Canada (K.E.B., L.B., K.C., T.C.)
| | - Thais Coutinho
- From the Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, ON, Canada (K.E.B., L.B., K.C., T.C.)
- Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation (T.C.), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, ON, Canada
- Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre (T.C.), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, ON, Canada
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Leemans EL, Willems TP, Slump CH, van der Laan MJ, Zeebregts CJ. Additional value of biomechanical indices based on CTa for rupture risk assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202672. [PMID: 30133522 PMCID: PMC6105024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biomechanics for rupture risk prediction in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are gaining popularity. However, their clinical applicability is still doubtful as there is lack of standardization. This study evaluates the added value of biomechanical indices in rupture risk assessment. METHODS This study included 175 asymptomatic, 11 sAAA and 45 ruptured aneurysms. 3D-geometries were reconstructed using computer tomography angiographies. Subsequently, finite element models were made to calculate peak wall stress (PWS), peak wall rupture index (PWRI) and the rupture risk equivalent diameter (RRED). The indices were determined with a dedicated software to facilitate standardization. RESULTS SAAAs showed a trend towards higher PWS, PWRI and RRED compared to asymptomatic AAAs, but PWS (22.0±5.8 vs. 33.4±15.8 N/cm2), PWRI (0.52±0.2 vs. 1.01±0.64), and RRED (65±60 vs. 98±51 mm) were significantly (p = 0.001) higher in ruptured. However, after diameter-matching no significant differences were seen. The ROC-curves for the maximum diameter and all biomechanical indices were similar but it slightly increased when diameter and biomechanical indices were combined. CONCLUSIONS This study showed no added value for biomechanical indices in AAA rupture risk assessment. Additionally, the difficulty of such an assessment increases. However, as symptomatic aneurysms show a trend towards higher biomechanical indices with similar diameters the indices may provide information about aneurysm growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L. Leemans
- Departments of Surgery (Division of Vascular Surgery), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Departments of Biomechanical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Radiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke P. Willems
- Radiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H. Slump
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten J. van der Laan
- Departments of Surgery (Division of Vascular Surgery), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clark J. Zeebregts
- Departments of Surgery (Division of Vascular Surgery), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Duque Santos A, Reyes Valdivia A, Romero Lozano M, Aracil Sanus E, Ocaña Guaita J, Gandarias Zúñiga C. Resultados preliminares en el análisis de elementos finitos de aneurismas de aorta abdominal en rango no quirúrgico. ANGIOLOGIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.angio.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Karathanos C, Spanos K, Kouvelos G, Athanasoulas A, Koutsias S, Matsagkas M, Giannoukas AD. Hostility of proximal aortic neck anatomy in relation to abdominal aortic aneurysm size and its impact on the outcome of endovascular repair with the new generation endografts. THE JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 2018; 61:60-66. [PMID: 29327561 DOI: 10.23736/s0021-9509.18.10001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the relation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter with the proximal neck anatomy (PNA) hostility and to evaluate its impact on the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes with the use of newer generation endografts. METHODS Retrospective analysis of single institution's recorded data from February 2009 to April 2016. Patients' characteristics, comorbidities, aortic morphology, perioperative characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. In relation to AAA diameter 2 groups were identified: group A (50-55 mm) and group B (>55 mm). Hostile PNA was defined based on: neck diameter >28 mm, length <15 mm, angulation >60o, and circumferential thrombus and/or calcification >50%. The aortic neck scoring system was calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis with a forward likelihood ratio method adjusted for age and gender was undertaken. RESULTS Three hundred seventeen patients (96% males, mean age 72.4±9 years, 80% elective) were follow-up for a mean of 23.4 months (range, 3-86 months). No differences were observed in demographics and co-morbidities between the two groups (group A: 134, 42% vs. group B: 183, 58%). Hostile PNA was present in 147/317 (46%) patients and significantly more likely to be present in group B (P<0.001). In group B the aortic neck score was higher (P<0.001), the likelihood for having hostile PNA increased for neck diameter by 2.2-fold (OR 2.2, P=0.013, 95% CI: 1.18-4.03), length by 2.3-fold (OR 2.3, P=0.012, 95% CI: 1.20-4.51), angle by 4.8-fold (OR 4.8, P=0.002, 95% CI: 1.79-13.24) and presence of thrombus by 1.5-fold (OR 1.5, P=0.037, 95% CI: 1.45-10.34). No association existed for neck calcification (P=0.071). Technical success, adjunctive procedures, perioperative characteristics and outcomes were comparable in friendly and hostile PNAs. CONCLUSIONS PNA hostility is more likely in AAA with diameter >55 mm but with the use of newer generation endografts this did not influence the short- and mid-term EVAR outcomes. Longer follow-up is needed for a more definite conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Karathanos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece -
| | - Konstantinos Spanos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Kouvelos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Athanasoulas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Stylianos Koutsias
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Miltiadis Matsagkas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios D Giannoukas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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The Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines on the care of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. J Vasc Surg 2018; 67:2-77.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2017.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1150] [Impact Index Per Article: 191.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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12
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Mix DS, Yang L, Johnson CC, Couper N, Zarras B, Arabadjis I, Trakimas LE, Stoner MC, Day SW, Richards MS. Detecting Regional Stiffness Changes in Aortic Aneurysmal Geometries Using Pressure-Normalized Strain. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:2372-2394. [PMID: 28728780 PMCID: PMC5562537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Transabdominal ultrasound elasticity imaging could improve the assessment of rupture risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms by providing information on the mechanical properties and stress or strain states of vessel walls. We implemented a non-rigid image registration method to visualize the pressure-normalized strain within vascular tissues and adapted it to measure total strain over an entire cardiac cycle. We validated the algorithm's performance with both simulated ultrasound images with known principal strains and anatomically accurate heterogeneous polyvinyl alcohol cryogel vessel phantoms. Patient images of abdominal aortic aneurysm were also used to illustrate the clinical feasibility of our imaging algorithm and the potential value of pressure-normalized strain as a clinical metric. Our results indicated that pressure-normalized strain could be used to identify spatial variations in vessel tissue stiffness. The results of this investigation were sufficiently encouraging to warrant a clinical study measuring abdominal aortic pressure-normalized strain in a patient population with aneurysmal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doran S Mix
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA.
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Camille C Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Nathan Couper
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Ben Zarras
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Isaac Arabadjis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Lauren E Trakimas
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Michael C Stoner
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Steven W Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Michael S Richards
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
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Barrett HE, Cunnane EM, O Brien JM, Moloney MA, Kavanagh EG, Walsh MT. On the effect of computed tomography resolution to distinguish between abdominal aortic aneurysm wall tissue and calcification: A proof of concept. Eur J Radiol 2017; 95:370-377. [PMID: 28987694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal target CT spatial resolution for accurately imaging abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall characteristics, distinguishing between tissue and calcification components, for an accurate assessment of rupture risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ruptured and non-ruptured AAA-wall samples were acquired from eight patients undergoing open surgical aneurysm repair upon institutional review board approval and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Physical measurements of AAA-wall cross-section were made using scanning electron microscopy. Samples were scanned using high resolution micro-CT scanning. A resolution range of 15.5-155μm was used to quantify the influence of decreasing resolution on wall area measurements, in terms of tissue and calcification. A statistical comparison between the reference resolution (15.5μm) and multi-detector CT resolution (744μm) was also made. RESULTS Electron microscopy examination of ruptured AAAs revealed extremely thin outer tissue structure <200μm in radial distribution which is supporting the aneurysm wall along with large areas of adjacent medial calcifications far greater in area than the tissue layer. The spatial resolution of 155μm is a significant predictor of the reference AAA-wall tissue and calcification area measurements (r=0.850; p<0.001; r=0.999; p<0.001 respectively). The tissue and calcification area at 155μm is correct within 8.8%±1.86 and 26.13%±9.40 respectively with sensitivity of 87.17% when compared to the reference. CONCLUSION The inclusion of AAA-wall measurements, through the use of high resolution-CT will elucidate the variations in AAA-wall tissue and calcification distributions across the wall which may help to leverage an improved assessment of AAA rupture risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Barrett
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Engineering Research (CABER), Health Research Institute (HRI), School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Lonsdale Building, Limerick, Ireland
| | - E M Cunnane
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Engineering Research (CABER), Health Research Institute (HRI), School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Lonsdale Building, Limerick, Ireland
| | - J M O Brien
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - M A Moloney
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - E G Kavanagh
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - M T Walsh
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Engineering Research (CABER), Health Research Institute (HRI), School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Lonsdale Building, Limerick, Ireland.
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Leemans EL, Willems TP, van der Laan MJ, Slump CH, Zeebregts CJ. Biomechanical Indices for Rupture Risk Estimation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. J Endovasc Ther 2016; 24:254-261. [PMID: 27872318 DOI: 10.1177/1526602816680088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the use of biomechanical indices for the estimation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture risk, emphasizing their potential use in a clinical setting. METHODS A search of the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Compendex databases was made up to June 2015 to identify articles involving biomechanical analysis of AAA rupture risk. Outcome variables [aneurysm diameter, peak wall stress (PWS), peak wall shear stress (PWSS), wall strain, peak wall rupture index (PWRI), and wall stiffness] were compared for asymptomatic intact AAAs vs symptomatic or ruptured AAAs. For quantitative analysis of the pooled data, a random effects model was used to calculate the standard mean differences (SMDs) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the biomechanical indices. RESULTS The initial database searches yielded 1894 independent articles of which 19 were included in the analysis. The PWS was significantly higher in the symptomatic/ruptured group, with a SMD of 1.11 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.26, p<0.001). Likewise, the PWRI was significantly higher in the ruptured or symptomatic group, with a SMD of 1.15 (95% CI 0.30 to 2.01, p=0.008). After adjustment for the aneurysm diameter, the PWS remained higher in the ruptured or symptomatic group, with a SMD of 0.85 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.23, p<0.001). Less is known of the wall shear stress and wall strain indices, as too few studies were available for analysis. CONCLUSION Biomechanical indices are a promising tool in the assessment of AAA rupture risk as they incorporate several factors, including geometry, tissue properties, and patient-specific risk factors. However, clinical implementation of biomechanical AAA assessment remains a challenge owing to a lack of standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L Leemans
- 1 Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.,2 Department of Biomechanical Engineering and Physics, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,3 Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,4 MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Tineke P Willems
- 5 Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten J van der Laan
- 1 Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H Slump
- 4 MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Clark J Zeebregts
- 1 Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
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Abstract
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a focal full thickness dilatation of the abdominal aorta, greater than 1.5 times its normal diameter. Although some patients with AAA experience back or abdominal pain, most remain asymptomatic until rupture. The prognosis after AAA rupture is poor. Management strategies for patients with asymptomatic AAAs include risk factor reduction, such as smoking cessation, optimizing antihypertensive treatment, and treating dyslipidemia, as well as surveillance by ultrasound. Currently, aneurysm diameter alone is often used to assess risk of rupture. Once the aneurysm diameter reaches 5.5 cm, the risk of rupture is considered greater than the risk of intervention and elective aneurysm repair is undertaken. There is increasing interest in detecting AAAs early, and national screening programs are now in place. Furthermore, there is increasing research interest in biomarkers, genetics, and functional imaging to improve detection of AAAs at risk of progression and rupture. In this review, we discuss risk factors for AAA rupture, which should be considered during the management process, to advance current deficiencies in management pathways.
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Indrakusuma R, Jalalzadeh H, Planken RN, Marquering HA, Legemate DA, Koelemay MJW, Balm R. Biomechanical Imaging Markers as Predictors of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth or Rupture: A Systematic Review. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2016; 52:475-486. [PMID: 27558090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Biomechanical characteristics, such as wall stress, are important in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and can be visualised and quantified using imaging techniques. This systematic review aims to present an overview of all biomechanical imaging markers that have been studied in relation to AAA growth and rupture. METHODS This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. A search in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library identified 1503 potentially relevant articles. Studies were included if they assessed biomechanical imaging markers and their potential association with growth or rupture. RESULTS Twenty-seven articles comprising 1730 patients met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies performed wall stress analysis using finite element analysis (FEA), 13 of which used peak wall stress (PWS) to quantify wall stress. Ten of 13 case control FEA studies reported a significantly higher PWS for symptomatic or ruptured AAAs than for intact AAAs. However, in some studies there was confounding bias because of baseline differences in aneurysm diameter between groups. Clinical heterogeneity in methodology obstructed a meaningful meta-analysis of PWS. Three of five FEA studies reported a significant positive association between several wall stress markers, such as PWS and 99th percentile stress, and growth. One study reported a significant negative association and one other study reported no significant association. Studies assessing wall compliance, the augmentation index and wall stress analysis using Laplace's law, computational fluid dynamics and fluid structure interaction were also included in this systematic review. CONCLUSIONS Although PWS is significantly higher in symptomatic or ruptured AAAs in most FEA studies, confounding bias, clinical heterogeneity, and lack of standardisation limit the interpretation and generalisability of the results. Also, there is conflicting evidence on whether increased wall stress is associated with growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Indrakusuma
- Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Jalalzadeh
- Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R N Planken
- Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H A Marquering
- Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D A Legemate
- Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M J W Koelemay
- Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Balm
- Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Lahoz C, Gracia CE, García LR, Montoya SB, Hernando ÁB, Heredero ÁF, Tembra MS, Velasco MB, Guijarro C, Ruiz EB, Pintó X, de Ceniga MV, Moñux Ducajú G. [Not Available]. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ARTERIOSCLEROSIS 2016; 28 Suppl 1:1-49. [PMID: 27107212 DOI: 10.1016/s0214-9168(16)30026-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Lahoz
- Unidad de Lípidos y Riesgo Vascular, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, España.
| | - Carlos Esteban Gracia
- Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, España
| | | | - Sergi Bellmunt Montoya
- Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, España
| | - Ángel Brea Hernando
- Unidad de Lípidos, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital San Pedro, Logroño, España
| | | | - Manuel Suárez Tembra
- Unidad de Lípidos y Riesgo Cardiovascular, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital San Rafael, A Coruña, España
| | - Marta Botas Velasco
- Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, Hospital de Cabueñes, Gijón, España
| | - Carlos Guijarro
- Consulta de Riesgo Vascular, Unidad de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España
| | - Esther Bravo Ruiz
- Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, Hospital Universitario de Basurto, Bilbao, España
| | - Xavier Pintó
- Unidad de Riesgo Vascular, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L' Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | - Melina Vega de Ceniga
- Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, Hospital de Galdakao-Usansolo, Vizcaya, España
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18
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High Resolution Strain Analysis Comparing Aorta and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Real Time Three Dimensional Speckle Tracking Ultrasound. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2016; 51:187-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Effects of arterial blood flow on walls of the abdominal aorta: distributions of wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index determined by phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. Heart Vessels 2015; 31:1168-75. [PMID: 26481791 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-015-0758-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) occur mostly inferior to the renal artery, the mechanism of the development of AAA in relation to its specific location is not yet clearly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that even healthy volunteers may manifest specific flow characteristics of blood flow and alter wall shear or oscillatory shear stress in the areas where AAAs commonly develop. Eight healthy male volunteers were enrolled in this prospective study, aged from 24 to 27. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed with electrocardiographic triggering. Flow-sensitive four-dimensional MR imaging of the abdominal aorta, with three-directional velocity encoding, including simple morphological image acquisition, was performed. Information on specific locations on the aortic wall was applied to the flow encodes to calculate wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI). While time-framed WSS showed the highest peak of 1.14 ± 0.25 Pa in the juxtaposition of the renal artery, the WSS plateaued to 0.61 Pa at the anterior wall of the abdominal aorta. The OSI peaked distal to the renal arteries at the posterior wall of the abdominal aorta of 0.249 ± 0.148, and was constantly elevated in the whole abdominal aorta at more than 0.14. All subjects were found to have elevated OSI in regions where AAAs commonly occur. These findings indicate that areas of constant peaked oscillatory shear stress in the infra-renal aorta may be one of the factors that lead to morphological changes over time, even in healthy individuals.
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20
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A Review of Computational Methods to Predict the Risk of Rupture of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:861627. [PMID: 26509168 PMCID: PMC4609803 DOI: 10.1155/2015/861627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Computational methods have played an important role in health care in recent years, as determining parameters that affect a certain medical condition is not possible in experimental conditions in many cases. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods have been used to accurately determine the nature of blood flow in the cardiovascular and nervous systems and air flow in the respiratory system, thereby giving the surgeon a diagnostic tool to plan treatment accordingly. Machine learning or data mining (MLD) methods are currently used to develop models that learn from retrospective data to make a prediction regarding factors affecting the progression of a disease. These models have also been successful in incorporating factors such as patient history and occupation. MLD models can be used as a predictive tool to determine rupture potential in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) along with CFD-based prediction of parameters like wall shear stress and pressure distributions. A combination of these computer methods can be pivotal in bridging the gap between translational and outcomes research in medicine. This paper reviews the use of computational methods in the diagnosis and treatment of AAA.
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21
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Sultan S, Hynes N, Kavanagh EP, Diethrich EB. How does the multilayer flow modulator work? The science behind the technical innovation. J Endovasc Ther 2015; 21:814-21. [PMID: 25453884 DOI: 10.1583/14-4858.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Sultan
- 1 Western Vascular Institute and the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University College Hospital Galway, Ireland
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22
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Kontopodis N, Metaxa E, Papaharilaou Y, Tavlas E, Tsetis D, Ioannou C. Advancements in identifying biomechanical determinants for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. Vascular 2014; 23:65-77. [PMID: 24757027 DOI: 10.1177/1708538114532084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a common health problem and currently the need for surgical intervention is determined based on maximum diameter and growth rate criteria. Since these universal variables often fail to predict accurately every abdominal aortic aneurysms evolution, there is a considerable effort in the literature for other markers to be identified towards individualized rupture risk estimations and growth rate predictions. To this effort, biomechanical tools have been extensively used since abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture is in fact a material failure of the diseased arterial wall to compensate the stress acting on it. The peak wall stress, the role of the unique geometry of every individual abdominal aortic aneurysm as well as the mechanical properties and the local strength of the degenerated aneurysmal wall, all confer to rupture risk. In this review article, the assessment of these variables through mechanical testing, advanced imaging and computational modeling is reviewed and the clinical perspective is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kontopodis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eleni Metaxa
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Greece
| | - Yannis Papaharilaou
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Tavlas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsetis
- Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christos Ioannou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
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23
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Bihari P, Shelke A, Nwe T, Mularczyk M, Nelson K, Schmandra T, Knez P, Schmitz-Rixen T. Strain Measurement of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Real-time 3D Ultrasound Speckle Tracking. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2013; 45:315-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Abstract
Decreased smoking has likely had the most significant impact on reducing the prevalence of AAAs. In a review of public data in England and Wales, Anjum and colleagues illustrated a reduction of AAA rupture from 1997 to2009 across all ages attributed to a concurrent decrease in prevalence of smoking. This trend has also been noted in a meta-analysis from Sweeting and colleagues and attributed to a reduction in the prevalence of smoking since the mid-1970s along with an enhanced awareness of cardiovascular risk factor reduction and selective aneurysm screening. Along with an effort to reduce AAA progression and rupture, tools to predict patient-specific risk of AAA rupture are evolving with refined models that incorporate both aneurysm wall stress and wall strength likely to provide the most promising approach. Although the role of statins, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and aspirin in preventing or slowing aneurysmal rupture remains unresolved, their proven benefit in reducing long-term cardiovascular mortality suggests that these medications should be considered in any patient with a small AAA. Currently, randomized trials do not show any survival benefit for open or endovascular repair for small aneurysms in the range of 4.0 to 5.4 cm. AAA repair, whether through an endovascular or open approach, is not without potential complication. Even at centers of excellence, the 30-day mortality rate for conventional AAA surgery is 3% to 5%, with rates of major morbidityranging from 15% to 40%. The Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines recommends surveillance for patients with a fusiform AAA of 4.0 to 5.4 cm. The risk of AAA rupture appears to be decreasing through heightened public awareness, advanced technology for AAA detection, screening and surveillance, improved understanding of biomechanics and natural progression in AAA rupture, along with the availability of a wide range of medical therapies for risk factor reduction and minimally invasive options for AAA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy M Lee
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 110 Francis Street, Suite 9B, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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25
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Brekken R, Muller S, Gjerald SU, Hernes TAN. Simulation model for assessing quality of ultrasound strain estimation in abdominal aortic aneurysm. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2012; 38:889-896. [PMID: 22402023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2012.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a simulation model for evaluating methods for ultrasound strain estimation in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Wall geometry was obtained from a real ultrasound image and wall motion was simulated applying realistic blood pressures to a nonlinear viscoelastic wall model. The ultrasound simulation included speckle, absorption and angle dependent reflection. Gaussian white noise was added to simulate various noise levels. Despite not fully replicating real ultrasound images, the model simulated realistic circumferential variations in intensity and realistic speckle patterns and has potential for initial evaluation of strain estimation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reidar Brekken
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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26
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Moll FL, Powell JT, Fraedrich G, Verzini F, Haulon S, Waltham M, van Herwaarden JA, Holt PJE, van Keulen JW, Rantner B, Schlösser FJV, Setacci F, Ricco JB. Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms clinical practice guidelines of the European society for vascular surgery. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2011; 41 Suppl 1:S1-S58. [PMID: 21215940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2010.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 996] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2010] [Accepted: 09/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F L Moll
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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27
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Biomechanics and Pathobiology of Aortic Aneurysms. STUDIES IN MECHANOBIOLOGY, TISSUE ENGINEERING AND BIOMATERIALS 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/8415_2011_84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Powell JT, Gotensparre SM, Sweeting MJ, Brown LC, Fowkes FGR, Thompson SG. Rupture rates of small abdominal aortic aneurysms: a systematic review of the literature. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2010; 41:2-10. [PMID: 20952216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2010.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (3.0-5.5 cm in diameter) often are managed by regular surveillance, rather than surgery, because the risk of surgery is considered to outweigh the risk of aneurysm rupture. The risk of small aneurysm rupture is considered to be low. The purpose of this review is to summarise the reported estimates of small aneurysm rupture rates. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a systematic review of the literature published before 2010 and identified 54 potentially eligible reports. Detailed review of these studies showed that both ascertainment of rupture, patient follow-up and causes of death were poorly reported: diagnostic criteria for rupture were never reported. There were only 14 studies from which rupture rates (as ruptures per 100 person-years) were available. These 14 published studies included 9779 patients (89% male) over the time period 1976-2006 but only 7 of these studies provided rupture rates specifically for the diameter range 3.0-5.5 cm, which ranged from 0 to 1.61 ruptures per 100 person-years. CONCLUSIONS Rupture rates of small abdominal aortic aneurysms would appear to be low, but most studies have been poorly reported and did not have clear ascertainment and diagnostic criteria for aneurysm rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Powell
- Vascular Surgery Research Group, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, St Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RP, UK.
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29
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Patient-specific biomechanical profiling in abdominal aortic aneurysm development and rupture. J Vasc Surg 2010; 52:480-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2010.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2009] [Revised: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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30
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Dua MM, Dalman RL. Hemodynamic influences on abdominal aortic aneurysm disease: Application of biomechanics to aneurysm pathophysiology. Vascul Pharmacol 2010; 53:11-21. [PMID: 20347049 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2010.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2009] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
"Atherosclerotic" abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) occur with the greatest frequency in the distal aorta. The unique hemodynamic environment of this area predisposes it to site-specific degenerative changes. In this review, we summarize the differential hemodynamic influences present along the length of the abdominal aorta, and demonstrate how alterations in aortic flow and wall shear stress modify AAA progression in experimental models. Improved understanding of aortic hemodynamic risk profiles provides an opportunity to modify patient activity patterns to minimize the risk of aneurysmal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Dua
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, United States
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Chaikof EL, Brewster DC, Dalman RL, Makaroun MS, Illig KA, Sicard GA, Timaran CH, Upchurch GR, Veith FJ. The care of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm: the Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines. J Vasc Surg 2009; 50:S2-49. [PMID: 19786250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 453] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Revised: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/06/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga 30322, USA.
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Hoegh A, Lindholt JS. Basic Science Review: Vascular Distensibility as a Predictive Tool in the Management of Small Asymptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. Vasc Endovascular Surg 2009; 43:333-8. [DOI: 10.1177/1538574409336019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study investigates whether baseline aortic wall distensibility serves as a supplemental bio-marker for AAA progression and need for later repair. Methods: In 1998, 61 males with a small asymptomatic AAAs had a baseline measurement of elasticity and stiffness, using an echo-tracking ultrasound system (Diamove). The cohort was followed till 2005 concerning Dmax, expansion rate, operations for AAA, hospitalisation do to cardiovascular disease and death. Results: During follow-up, 49% died, and 45.9% were hospitalised do to cardiovascular disease, compared to Dmax, Ep and b no significant associations were found. Elasticity correlated moderately to annual expansion rate and Dmax. Good correlation was found between annual expansion rate and Dmax. ROC-curve analysis showed that elasticity, stiffness and Dmax all tended to predict future need for AAA-repair. Conclusion: Baseline aortic wall distensibility may provide an additional parameter for AAA to optimize the indication and time for elective repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Hoegh
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Vascular Research Unit, Viborg Hospital, Denmark,
| | - Jes S. Lindholt
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Vascular Research Unit, Viborg Hospital, Denmark
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Kranokpiraksa P, Kaufman JA. Follow-up of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Plain Radiography, Ultrasound, CT/CT Angiography, MR Imaging/MR Angiography, or What? J Vasc Interv Radiol 2008; 19:S27-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2008.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2008] [Revised: 03/07/2008] [Accepted: 03/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Vande Geest JP, Schmidt DE, Sacks MS, Vorp DA. The effects of anisotropy on the stress analyses of patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysms. Ann Biomed Eng 2008; 36:921-32. [PMID: 18398680 PMCID: PMC2674610 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-008-9490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 03/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The local dilation of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, termed an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), is often times asymptomatic and may eventually result in rupture-an event associated with a significant mortality rate. The estimation of in-vivo stresses within AAAs has been proposed as a useful tool to predict the likelihood of rupture. For the current work, a previously-derived anisotropic relation for the AAA wall was implemented into patient-specific finite element simulations of AAA. There were 35 AAAs simulated in the current work which were broken up into three groups: elective repairs (n = 21), non-ruptured repairs (n = 5), and ruptured repairs (n = 9). Peak stresses and strains were compared using the anisotropic and isotropic constitutive relations. There were significant increases in peak stress when using the anisotropic relationship (p < 0.001), even in the absence of the ILT (p = 0.014). Ruptured AAAs resulted in elevated peak stresses as compared to non-ruptured AAAs when using both the isotropic and anisotropic simulations, however these comparisons did not reach significance (p(ani) = 0.55, p(iso) = 0.73). While neither the isotropic or anisotropic simulations were able to significantly discriminate ruptured vs. non-ruptured AAAs, the lower p-value when using the anisotropic model suggests including it into patient-specific AAAs may help better identify AAAs at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David E. Schmidt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Michael S. Sacks
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - David A. Vorp
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Center for Vascular Remodeling and Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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Lindholt JS. Aneurysmal wall calcification predicts natural history of small abdominal aortic aneurysms. Atherosclerosis 2008; 197:673-8. [PMID: 17442319 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2007.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2006] [Revised: 02/28/2007] [Accepted: 03/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biomechanical properties of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall may hold predictive potential. This study aims to study the potential role of wall calcification in small AAAs. METHODS Initial AAA calcification was determined by ultrasonography to be either more or less than 50% of the initial maximal AAA circumference in 122 men with an initial AAA sized 30-49 mm in maximal diameter. The patients were offered annual control scans and refered for surgery, if the AAA diameter exceeded 50 mm. Surgery for AAA from the date of inclusion to 15 March 2005 was identified in the national vascular registry "Karbase". Mean follow time was 6.15 years. RESULTS The mean annual growth rate was significantly lower in men with an AAA wall calcification above than below 50% (1.72 mm versus 2.97 mm, P=0.001). The finding persisted after multivariate linear regression analysis adjusting for age, smoking and aspirin use. A total of 12 men with AAA calcification above 50% were operated compared with 25 men with an AAA calcification below 50% (risk ratio: 0.35 (0.18-0.71), P=0.003). The difference in risk persisted after adjustment for age, smoking and use of aspirin (risk ratio: 0.36 (0.18-0.74), P=0.008). CONCLUSION The calcification content in small AAA predicts the natural history of small AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jes S Lindholt
- Vascular Research Unit, Department of Vascular Surgery, Viborg Hospital, PO Box 130, DK-8600 Viborg, Denmark.
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Quantification of aortic distensibility in abdominal aortic aneurysm using ECG-gated multi-detector computed tomography. Eur Radiol 2008; 18:966-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-007-0833-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2007] [Revised: 11/02/2007] [Accepted: 11/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Heng MS, Fagan MJ, Collier JW, Desai G, McCollum PT, Chetter IC. Peak wall stress measurement in elective and acute abdominal aortic aneurysms. J Vasc Surg 2008; 47:17-22; discussion 22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2007.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2007] [Revised: 08/22/2007] [Accepted: 09/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition whereby the terminal aorta permanently dilates to dangerous proportions, risking rupture. The biomechanics of AAA has been studied with great interest since aneurysm rupture is a mechanical failure of the degenerated aortic wall and is a significant cause of death in developed countries. In this review article, the importance of considering the biomechanics of AAA is discussed, and then the history and the state-of-the-art of this field is reviewed--including investigations into the biomechanical behavior of AAA tissues, modeling AAA wall stress and factors which influence it, and the potential clinical utility of these estimates in predicting AAA rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Vorp
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Bioengineering, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Center for Vascular Remodeling and Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Vande Geest JP, Di Martino ES, Bohra A, Makaroun MS, Vorp DA. A Biomechanics-Based Rupture Potential Index for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risk Assessment: Demonstrative Application. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1085:11-21. [PMID: 17182918 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1383.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) can typically remain stable until the strength of the aortic wall is unable to withstand the forces acting on it as a result of the luminal blood pressure, resulting in AAA rupture. The clinical treatment of AAA patients presents a dilemma for the surgeon: surgery should only be recommended when the risk of rupture of the AAA outweighs the risks associated with the interventional procedure. Since AAA rupture occurs when the stress acting on the wall exceeds its strength, the assessment of AAA rupture should include estimates of both wall stress and wall strength distributions. The present work details a method for noninvasively assessing the rupture potential of AAAs using patient-specific estimations the rupture potential index (RPI) of the AAA, calculated as the ratio of locally acting wall stress to strength. The RPI was calculated for thirteen AAAs, which were broken up into ruptured (n = 8 and nonruptured (n = 5) groups. Differences in peak wall stress, minimum strength and maximum RPI were compared across groups. There were no statistical differences in the maximum transverse diameters (6.8 +/- 0.3 cm vs. 6.1 +/- 0.5 cm, p = 0.26) or peak wall stress (46.0 +/- 4.3 vs. 49.9 +/- 4.0 N/cm(2), p = 0.62) between groups. There was a significant decrease in minimum wall strength for ruptured AAA (81.2 +/- 3.9 and 108.3 +/- 10.2 N/cm(2), p = 0.045). While the differences in RPI values (ruptured = 0.48 +/- 0.05 vs. nonruptured = 0.36 +/- 0.03, respectively; p = 0.10) did not reach statistical significance, the p-value for the peak RPI comparison was lower than that for both the maximum diameter (p = 0.26) and peak wall stress (p = 0.62) comparisons. This result suggests that the peak RPI may be better able to identify those AAAs at high risk of rupture than maximum diameter or peak wall stress alone. The clinical relevance of this method for rupture assessment has yet to be validated, however, its success could aid clinicians in decision making and AAA patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Vande Geest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Technology Drive, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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Di Martino ES, Bohra A, Vande Geest JP, Gupta N, Makaroun MS, Vorp DA. Biomechanical properties of ruptured versus electively repaired abdominal aortic aneurysm wall tissue. J Vasc Surg 2006; 43:570-6; discussion 576. [PMID: 16520175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2005.10.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2005] [Accepted: 10/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the biomechanical properties of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall tissue from patients who experienced AAA rupture with that of those who received elective repair. METHODS Rectangular, circumferentially oriented AAA wall specimens (approximately 2.5 cm x 7 mm) were obtained fresh from the operating room from patients undergoing surgical repair. The width and thickness were measured for each specimen by using a laser micrometer before testing to failure with a uniaxial tensile testing system. The force and deformation applied to each specimen were measured continuously during testing, and the data were converted to stress and stretch ratio. The tensile strength was taken as the peak stress obtained before specimen failure, and the distensibility was taken as the stretch ratio at failure. The maximum tangential modulus and average modulus were also computed according to the peak and average slope of the stress-stretch ratio curve. RESULTS Twenty-six specimens were obtained from 16 patients (aged 73 +/- 3 years [mean +/- SEM]) undergoing elective repair of their AAA (diameter, 7.0 +/- 0.5 cm). Thirteen specimens were resected from nine patients (aged 73 +/- 3 years; P = not significant in comparison to the electively repaired AAAs) during repair of their ruptured AAA (diameter, 7.8 +/- 0.6 cm; P = not significant). A significant difference was noted in wall thickness between ruptured and elective AAAs: 3.6 +/- 0.3 mm vs 2.5 +/- 0.1 mm, respectively (P < .001). The tensile strength of the ruptured tissue was found to be lower than that for the electively repaired tissue (54 +/- 6 N/cm2 vs 82 +/- 9.0 N/cm2; P = .04). Considering all specimens, no significant correlation was noted between tensile strength and diameter (R = -0.10; P = .55). Tensile strength, however, had a significant negative correlation with wall thickness (R = -0.42; P < .05) and a significant positive correlation with the tissue maximum tangential modulus (R = 0.76; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that AAA rupture is associated with aortic wall weakening, but not with wall stiffening. A widely accepted indicator for risk of aneurysm rupture is the maximum transverse diameter. Our results suggest that AAA wall strength, in large aneurysms, is not related to the maximum transverse diameter. Rather, wall thickness or stiffness may be a better predictor of rupture for large AAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena S Di Martino
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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Abstract
Rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) represents a significant clinical event, having a mortality rate of 90% and being currently ranked as the 13th leading cause of death in the US. The ability to reliably evaluate the susceptibility of a particular AAA to rupture on a case-specific basis could vastly improve the clinical management of these patients. Because AAA rupture represents a mechanical failure of the degenerated aortic wall, biomechanical considerations are important to understand this process and to improve our predictions of its occurrence. Presented here is an overview of research to date related to the biomechanics of AAA rupture. This includes a summary of results related to ex vivo and in vivo mechanical testing, noninvasive AAA wall stress estimations, and potential mechanisms of AAA wall weakening. We conclude with a demonstration of a biomechanics-based approach to predicting AAA rupture on a patient-specific basis, which may ultimately prove to be superior to the widely and currently used maximum diameter criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Vorp
- Department of Surgery, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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Abstract
Aneurysms, especially in the abdominal aorta (AAA), are prone to rupture, and hence a reliable and easy-to-use predictor is most desirable. Based on clinical observations and numerical analyses, a semi-empirical equation for the peak AAA-wall stress has been developed. It can be readily used for AAA-rupture predictions or can be integrated into more elaborate AAA-assessment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7910, USA
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Long A, Rouet L, Bissery A, Rossignol P, Mouradian D, Sapoval M. Compliance of abdominal aortic aneurysms evaluated by tissue Doppler imaging: Correlation with aneurysm size. J Vasc Surg 2005; 42:18-26. [PMID: 16012447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2005.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several studies have shown that an increase in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth rate occurs when the diameter reaches 40 to 50 mm. AAA expansion is related to remodeling of the parietal extracellular matrix. The parietal mechanisms involved in this critical phase of sudden increase remain unexplained. Analysis of AAA wall movements and determination of AAA compliance may provide information about the constitution of the arterial wall. If a change in parietal wall motion somewhere between 40 and 50 mm could be shown, this would contribute to the understanding of the growth of AAA. Furthermore, it would provide a valuable additional parameter for AAA monitoring. This study had two aims: first, to evaluate the relationship between AAA compliance and maximum diameter using the tissue Doppler imaging system; and second, to test the hypothesis of a change in AAA behavior at around 45 mm in diameter. METHODS Fifty-six patients with AAA (mean diameter, 39 mm) were prospectively investigated using the tissue Doppler imaging system, which provides information concerning arterial wall motion. Maximum mean segmental dilation (MMSD), segmental compliance, pressure strain elastic modulus (Ep), and stiffness were determined and related to the maximum diameter of AAA. Results After natural log transformation of all variables, there was a significant positive linear relationship between maximum diameter and both MMSD (P < .001) and segmental compliance (P < .001) but not with Ep or stiffness (P = .37 and .22, respectively). MMSD and segmental compliance were significantly higher in AAA > or = 45 mm than in AAA < 45 mm (P < .0002 and <. 004, respectively). Ep and stiffness tended to decrease in larger AAAs, but this was not statistically significant (P < .43 and .24, respectively). Dispersion of Ep and stiffness values seemed to be wider among AAA < 45 mm compared with those > or = 45 mm. CONCLUSION Compliance parameters can easily be measured during routine AAA ultrasound monitoring using the tissue Doppler imaging system. The study showed an increase in MMSD and segmental compliance as well as a nonsignificant trend toward increased distensibility (decreased Ep and stiffness) with increased AAA diameter. A change in dispersion of AAA distensibility may appear around 45 mm in diameter, but a larger study will be needed to clarify this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Long
- Department of Cardiovascular Radiology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, the Philips Medical Imaging Systems, France.
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Wright IA, Gordon MK, Buckenham TM. SPECTRAL DOPPLER CHARACTERIZATION OF ENDOLEAKS FOLLOWING ENDOLUMINAL ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM REPAIR. ANZ J Surg 2005; 75:118-23. [PMID: 15777387 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2005.03313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colour Doppler ultrasound of endoluminal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is becoming an established imaging technique in identifying endoleak. Management and treatment of endoleak is determined in part by the exact nature of the endoleak, namely its type and whether it has single or multiple vessel inflow and outflow. To date, spectral Doppler waveform analysis has provided some information about the propensity for spontaneous seal of isolated type II endoleaks, rather than assisting in their classification. METHODS We present a collection of three case reports outlining the directionality/phasicity of the Doppler waveform profile associated with endoleaks whose type and subtype (uni- /or multi-conduital) were angiographically determined. RESULTS In all three cases uniconduital type II endoleak demonstrated a to-and-fro waveform on Doppler ultrasound imaging. CONCLUSIONS To-and-fro Doppler waveforms may be associated with uniconduital type II endoleaks. If upon investigation of further cases this is found to be the case, this waveform classification may facilitate determination of the subtype (uni- or multi-conduital) of endoleak, thus identifying those cases which may be more amenable to percutaneous repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel A Wright
- Department of Surgery, Christchurch Public Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Lindblad B, Dias N, Malina M, Ivancev K, Resch T, Hansen F, Sonesson B. Pulsatile Wall Motion (PWM) Measurements after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Exclusion are not Useful in the Classification of Endoleak. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2004; 28:623-8. [PMID: 15531197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2004.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The pulsatile wall motion (PWM) of AAA is reduced after endovascular stent-graft placement. The purpose of this study was to identify whether PWM after endografting was useful in the classification of endoleak. PATIENTS AND METHODS 162 patients treated with EVAR underwent pre- and post-operative PWM assessment with ultrasonography. Follow-up was 1-9 years. 111 patients had well-excluded aneurysms, three patients had enlarging aneurysms without any recognizable endoleak (endotension), 16 had type I, 31 had type II and 1 had type III endoleak. RESULTS The PWM was reduced from about 1mm pre-operatively to 0.24 mm post-operatively in well-excluded aneurysms. PWM remained stable during follow-up. Type I endoleak was associated with moderately reduced PWM (proximal endoleak 0.79 mm and distal 0.32 mm). PWM in patients with type II endoleak was higher (0.32 mm) post-operatively (p=0.002) compared to well-excluded aneurysms. CONCLUSION PWM is permanently reduced after endografting. The smallest reduction in PWM was in patients with type II endoleaks. However, the overlap between the groups does not allow reliable identification of patients having endoleak with PWM-measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lindblad
- Department of Vascular Diseases, Malmö Endovascular Center, Lund University, Malmö University Hospital, S-205 02 Malmö, Sweden
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Lal BK, Cerveira JJ, Seidman C, Haser PB, Kubicka R, Jamil Z, Padberg FT, Hobson RW, Pappas PJ. Observer Variability of Iliac Artery Measurements in Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. Ann Vasc Surg 2004; 18:644-52. [PMID: 15599621 DOI: 10.1007/s10016-004-0102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Accurate measurement of iliac arteries is essential for successful delivery of aortic endografts without iliac limb endoleak. Although intravascular ultrasound measurements may be reliable, they require an invasive procedure. Therefore, helical computed tomography (hCT) has become the most commonly used modality for obtaining preprocedure arterial diameter measurements. The accuracy of hCT remains ill-defined, however, because an anatomic gold standard with which to compare the measurements is not available. We therefore assessed inter- and intraobserver variability of hCT measurements. We also applied accepted cutoff measurements to determine the clinical impact of observer variability in predicting the need for adjunctive iliac access and iliac limb seal procedures. hCT scans were analyzed in 30 patients who had undergone successful placement of a bifurcated endograft (26 Ancure, 4 Aneurex). Mean age of patients was 75 years, the male/female ratio was 27:3. Three blinded observers measured transverse diameters (maximal aortic aneurysm [Amax], narrowest infrarenal aortic neck [Amin], maximal common iliac [Imax], and narrowest iliac artery [Imin]). Inter- and intraobserver variability was calculated as standard deviation of mean pair differences according to the method of Bland and Altman. The true incidence of adjunctive procedures to facilitate delivery of the device into the aorta and ensure iliac limb seal was compared with that predicted by the observers to obtain sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the measurements. Interobserver variability of iliac measurements was higher than intraobserver variability (p < 0.05). Interobserver variability of Amax ranged from 4.37 to 10.73% of the mean Amax. Conversely, variability of Amin was 8.91-18.89%, that of Imax was 12.11-22.23%, and that of Imin was 10.51-18.73% (p < 0.05 vs. Amax). Therefore, interobserver variability influenced aortic neck and iliac diameter twice as much as it did aneurysm measurements. To successfully place 30 endografts we performed 8 adjunctive access procedures (4 angioplasties, 4 common iliac artery conduits) and 17 adjunctive procedures in 60 limbs to ensure limb seal (9 unilateral IIA coil embolizations, 8 stents). We used 8.5 (Ancure) and 8.0 (Aneurex) mm as lower limits of acceptability for uncomplicated access, and 13.4 (Ancure) and 16 (Aneurex) mm as the upper limits of acceptability for uncomplicated iliac limb seal. These limits were applied to measurements from the three observers to predict need for adjunctive access or iliac seal procedures in this cohort. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of these observer measurements for a need to perform additional access procedures were 0.67, 0.80, 0.55, and 0.87; the same values for a need to perform additional seal procedures were 0.71, 0.74, 0.52, and 0.86, respectively. Interobserver variability was approximately 20% of measured iliac diameter. This explains why helical CT measurements were noted to have low PPV in predicting the need for an adjunctive access or limb seal procedure. These data establish PPV and NPV for hCT and provide objective evidence for the need to improve iliac artery imaging. Until more accurate imaging becomes available, we recommend oversizing of iliac limbs by 10-20% in patients with wide landing zones and that surgeons be prepared to resolve unexpected iliac artery access or seal problems intraoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brajesh K Lal
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H578, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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Goyen M, Debatin JF. Gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced three-dimensional MR-angiography: dosing, safety, and efficacy. J Magn Reson Imaging 2004; 19:261-73. [PMID: 14994293 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.20005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Noninvasiveness, inherent three-dimensionality allowing reformations in any desired plane, and safe contrast agents, coupled with high diagnostic accuracy have driven the rise in popularity of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) within the medical community. Reflecting its dominant market share as a paramagnetic contrast agent, gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) has been used for the majority of clinically-performed MRA exams. Over the period January 1994 to February 2002, a total of 172 original studies describing the use of gadolinium-enhanced MRA in more than three human subjects were identified. Of these, 117 described the use of Gd-DTPA as the contrast agent for MRA. A total of 4046 subjects who received Gd-DTPA for MRA are described in these studies. Analysis of these data demonstrate Gd-DTPA to be a safe contrast agent for MRA when applied in a dose ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mmol/kg of bodyweight. The documented clinical results show Gd-DTPA to be efficacious in the assessment of the arterial system. The effectiveness of Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRA extends beyond the detection, localization, and characterization of arterial disease, and encompasses choice and planning of appropriate therapy, as well as evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Goyen
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Venkatasubramaniam AK, Fagan MJ, Mehta T, Mylankal KJ, Ray B, Kuhan G, Chetter IC, McCollum PT. A comparative study of aortic wall stress using finite element analysis for ruptured and non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2004; 28:168-76. [PMID: 15234698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2004.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decision to repair an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is currently based on diameter (> or =5.5 cm) alone. However, aneurysms less than 5.5 cm do rupture while some reach greater than 5.5 cm without rupturing. Hence the need to predict the risk of rupture on an individual patient basis is important. This study aims to calculate and compare wall stress in ruptured and non-ruptured AAA. METHODS The 3D geometries of AAA were derived from CT scans of 27 patients (12 ruptured and 15 non-ruptured). AAA geometry, systolic blood pressure and literature derived material properties, were utilised to calculate wall stress for individual AAA using finite element analysis. RESULTS Peak wall stress was significantly higher in the ruptured AAA (mean 1.02 MPa) than the non-ruptured AAA (mean 0.62 MPa). In patients with an identifiable site of rupture on CT scan, the area of peak wall stress correlated with rupture site. CONCLUSIONS Peak wall stress can be calculated from routinely performed CT scans and may be a better predictor of risk of rupture than AAA diameter on an individual patient basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Venkatasubramaniam
- Academic Vascular Unit, Vascular Laboratory, Alderson house, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, East Yorkshire HU3 2JZ, UK
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Sekhri AR, Lees WR, Adiseshiah M. Measurement of Aortic Compliance in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Before and After Open and Endoluminal Repair:Preliminary Results. J Endovasc Ther 2004; 11:472-82. [PMID: 15298497 DOI: 10.1583/04-1243.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess aortic wall compliance as a portent of rupture risk in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS In this pilot study, 38 patients (32 men; median age 78 years, range 63-95) underwent an ultrasound scan: 20 pre-repair and 24 post-repair (18 endovascular [EVR] and 6 open). Six patients from the pre-repair group were included in a post repair study after EVR. Cine loop images were analyzed offsite using wall tracking software, which measured aortic diameter changes during cardiac cycles. Brachial blood pressure was measured, and elastic modulus (Ep) and stiffness (beta) were calculated. Preop Ep and beta were determined at the neck, inflection points (IP), and mid sac levels. Postop Ep and beta were calculated in mid sac only for technical reasons. RESULTS Preoperative Ep and beta were significantly higher at IP compared with neck (median Ep 24.22 versus 12.95 N/cm(2), p<0.003; median beta 16.27 versus 8.65, p<0.003). At the mid sac, Ep and beta were also significantly higher compared with neck: Ep 26.41 versus 12.95 N/cm(2), p=0.001; beta 17.94 versus 8.65, p=0.001. The values for IP and mid sac were Ep 24.22 versus 26.41 N/cm(2), p=0.64; beta 16.27 versus 17.94, p=0.64. In the postop cases (n=24), Ep and beta in successful endovascular repair (n=12) were significantly higher than in open repair, respectively: median Ep 34.31 versus 12.33 N/cm(2), p<0.001; median beta 23.18 versus 8.24, p<0.001. Patients with endoleaks or endotension (n=6) had significantly elevated Ep and beta compared with those without endoleaks (n=12): median Ep 79.79 versus 34.31 N/ cm(2), p=0.002; median beta 51.52 versus 23.18, p<0.002. Six patients scanned before and after EVR showed a decrease of Ep and beta in 3, no change in 1, and an increase in 2. An increase greater than 2 fold was noted in a patient with a gross type II endoleak. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study shows that estimates of aortic wall compliance agree well with known values for wall stress distribution. EVR leaves patients with greater wall stiffness than those undergoing open repair, a situation accentuated by endoleaks. Wall compliance and stiffness measurement promises to be useful for the evaluation of success of endovascular repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine R Sekhri
- Medical Imaging, The Middlesex Hospital, University College London Hospitals and University College London, England, UK
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Gawenda M, Knez P, Winter S, Jaschke G, Wassmer G, Schmitz-Rixen T, Brunkwall J. Endotension is Influenced by Wall Compliance in a Latex Aneurysm Model. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2004; 27:45-50. [PMID: 14652836 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2003.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Even though endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) creates a closed chamber except for patent branches, the intra-sac pressure is never zero. This study was designed to investigate whether, and to what extent, aneurysm wall compliance influences intra-sac pressure. DESIGN In vitro experimental study. METHODS Aneurysm models with six and 12 latex layers were produced, resulting in elastic and stiff circumferential compliance (3.5 +/- 0.5 and 0.9 +/- 0.3%/100 mmHg, respectively). The models with an 18 mm internal neck and maximum aneurysm diameter of 60 mm were inserted into an in vitro circulation system. The systemic mean pressure (SPmean) was varied from 50 to 120 mmHg. After the aneurysm was excluded with a knitted polyethylene graft, aneurysm sac mean pressure (ASPmean) and aneurysm sac pulse pressure (ASPpulse) were measured. Data are presented as mean +/- SD. Statistics were performed using repeated measurements of variance; p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS In the model EVAR created a closed chamber without endoleak, but with an aneurysm sac pressure related to wall compliance. In the elastic aneurysm model with six latex coats the aneurysm sac mean pressure (ASPmean) and the aneurysm sac pulse pressure (ASPpulse) at all systemic pressures were significantly lower than they were in the stiffer model with 12 latex coats (p<0.05). At a SPmean of 90 mmHg, the ASPmean was 21.0 +/- 0.9 mmHg (six latex coats) and 26.0 +/- 0.2 mmHg (12 latex coats) (p<0.05), the ASPpulse was 5.7 +/- 0.2 mmHg (six latex coats) and 8.8 +/- 0.3 mmHg (12 latex coats) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This in vitro model demonstrated that the aneurysm sac mean pressure (ASPmean) and the aneurysm sac pulse pressure (ASPpulse) were significantly influenced by the compliance of the aneurysm wall. These data highlight the need for further studies regarding endotension.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gawenda
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany
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