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Peng C, He W, Luan J, Yuan T, Fu W, Shi Y, Wang S. Preliminary establishment and validation of the inversion method for growth and remodeling parameters of patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysm. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:1137-1148. [PMID: 38548952 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-024-01828-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Traditional medical imaging and biomechanical studies have challenges in analyzing the long-term evolution process of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The homogenized constrained mixture theory (HCMT) allows for quantitative analysis of the changes in the multidimensional morphology and composition of AAA. However, the accuracy of HCMT still requires further clinical verification. This study aims to establish a patient-specific AAA growth model based on HCMT, simulate the long-term growth and remodeling (G&R) process of AAA, and validate the feasibility and accuracy of the method using two additional AAA cases with five follow-up datasets. The media and adventitia layers of AAA were modeled as mixtures composed of elastin, collagen fibers, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The strain energy function was used to describe the continuous deposition and degradation effect of the mixture during the AAA evolution. Multiple sets of growth parameters were applied to finite element simulations, and the simulation results were compared with the follow-up data for gradually selecting the optimal growth parameters. Two additional AAA patients with different growth rates were used for validating this method, the optimal growth parameters were obtained using the first two follow-up imaging data, and the growth model was applied to simulate the subsequent four time points. The differences between the simulated diameters and the follow-up diameters of AAA were compared to validate the accuracy of the mechanistic model. The growth parameters, especially the stress-mediated substance deposition gain factor, are highly related to the AAA G&R process. When setting the optimal growth parameters to simulate AAA growth, the proportion of simulation results within the distance of less than 0.5 mm from the baseline models is above 80%. For the validating cases, the mean difference rates between the simulated diameter and the real-world diameter are within 2.5%, which basically meets the clinical demand for quantitatively predicting the AAA growth in maximum diameters. This study simulated the growth process of AAA, and validated the accuracy of this mechanistic model. This method was proved to be used to predict the G&R process of AAA caused by dynamic changes in the mixtures of the AAA vessel wall during long-term, assisting accurately and quantitatively predicting the multidimensional morphological development and mixtures evolution process of AAA in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Peng
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Institute of Biomechanics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyang Luan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Yuan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Fu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Vascular Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Vascular Surgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengzhang Wang
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Institute of Biomechanics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology, Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Yiwu Research Institute, Fudan University, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
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2
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Lo SCY, McCullough JWS, Xue X, Coveney PV. Uncertainty quantification of the impact of peripheral arterial disease on abdominal aortic aneurysms in blood flow simulations. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20230656. [PMID: 38593843 PMCID: PMC11003782 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) often coexist and pose significant risks of mortality, yet their mutual interactions remain largely unexplored. Here, we introduce a fluid mechanics model designed to simulate the haemodynamic impact of PAD on AAA-associated risk factors. Our focus lies on quantifying the uncertainty inherent in controlling the flow rates within PAD-affected vessels and predicting AAA risk factors derived from wall shear stress. We perform a sensitivity analysis on nine critical model parameters through simulations of three-dimensional blood flow within a comprehensive arterial geometry. Our results show effective control of the flow rates using two-element Windkessel models, although specific outlets need attention. Quantities of interest like endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP) and relative residence time are instructive for identifying high-risk regions, with ECAP showing greater reliability and adaptability. Our analysis reveals that the uncertainty in the quantities of interest is 187% of that of the input parameters. Notably, parameters governing the amplitude and frequency of the inlet velocity exert the strongest influence on the risk factors' variability and warrant precise determination. This study forms the foundation for patient-specific simulations involving PAD and AAAs which should ultimately improve patient outcomes and reduce associated mortality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharp C. Y. Lo
- Centre for Computational Science, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Xiao Xue
- Centre for Computational Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter V. Coveney
- Centre for Computational Science, University College London, London, UK
- Advanced Research Computing Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Informatics Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Sokolis DP. Layer-Specific Properties of the Human Infra-Renal Aorta During Aging Considering Pre/Post-Failure Damage. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:021003. [PMID: 38019302 DOI: 10.1115/1.4064146] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
There is little information on the layer-specific failure properties of the adult human abdominal aorta, and there has been no quantification of postfailure damage. Infra-renal aortas were thus taken from forty-seven autopsy subjects and cut into 870 intact-wall and layer strips that underwent uni-axial-tensile testing. Intact-wall failure stress did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from the medial value longitudinally, nor from the intimal and medial values circumferentially, which were the lowest recorded values. Intact-wall failure stretch did not differ (p > 0.05) from the medial value in either direction. Intact-wall prefailure stretch (defined as failure stretch-stretch at the initiation of the concave phase of the stress-stretch response) did not differ (p > 0.05) from the intimal and medial values, and intact-wall postfailure stretch (viz., full-rupture stretch-failure stretch) did not differ (p > 0.05) from the adventitial value since the adventitia was the last layer to rupture, being most extensible albeit under residual tension. Intact-wall failure stress and stretch declined from 20 to 60 years, explained by steady declines throughout the lifetime of their medial counterparts, implicating beyond 60 years the less age-varying failure properties of the intima under minimal residual compression. The positive correlation of postfailure stretch with age counteracted the declining failure stretch, serving as a compensatory mechanism against rupture. Hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease adversely affected the intact-wall and layer-specific failure stretches while increasing stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios P Sokolis
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery, and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephesiou Street, Athens 115 27, Greece
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Kan X, Ma T, Jiang X, Holzapfel GA, Dong Z, Xu XY. Towards biomechanics-based pre-procedural planning for thoracic endovascular aortic repair of aortic dissection. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 244:107994. [PMID: 38159449 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR) has shown promising outcomes in the treatment of patients with complicated type B aortic dissection, complications still occur after TEVAR that can lead to catastrophic events. Biomechanical interactions between the stent-graft (SG) and the local aortic tissue play a critical role in determining the outcome of TEVAR. Different SG design may cause different biomechanical responses in the treated aorta, but such information is not known at the time of pre-procedural planning. By developing patient-specific virtual stent-graft deployment tools, it is possible to analyse and compare the biomechanical impact of different SGs on the local aorta for individual patients. METHODS A finite element based virtual SG deployment model was employed in this study. Computational simulations were performed on a patient-specific model of type B aortic dissection, accounting for details of the SG design and the hyperelastic behaviour of the aortic wall. Based on the geometry reconstructed from the pre-TEVAR CTA scan, the patient-specific aortic dissection model was created and pre-stressed. Parametric models of three different SG products (SG1, SG2 and SG3) were built with two different lengths for each design. The SG models incorporated different stent and graft materials, stent strut patterns, and assembly approaches. Using our validated SG deployment simulation framework, virtual trials were performed on the patient-specific aortic dissection model using different SG products and varying SG lengths. CONCLUSION Simulation results for different SG products suggest that SG3 with a longer length (SG3-long) would be the most appropriate device for the individual patient. Compared to SG1-short (the SG deployed in the patient), SG3-long followed the true lumen tortuosity closely, resulted in a more uniform true lumen expansion and a significant reduction in peak stress in the distal landing zone. These simulation results are promising and demonstrate the feasibility of using the virtual SG deployment model to assist clinicians in pre-procedural planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Kan
- Centre for Vascular Surgery and Wound Care, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolang Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gerhard A Holzapfel
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Structural Engineering, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Zhihui Dong
- Centre for Vascular Surgery and Wound Care, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Yun Xu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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5
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Balà N, Aranda A, Teixidó P, Molhoek C, Moreno-Jiménez I, Febas G, López-Guimet J, Groothuis A, Edelman ER, Balcells M, Borrós S, Martorell J, Riambau V. In Vivo Efficacy of an Adhesive Bioresorbable Patch to Treat Aortic Dissections. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:65-77. [PMID: 38362347 PMCID: PMC10864981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Endovascular repair of aortic dissection still presents significant limitations. Preserving the mechanical and biological properties set by the aortic microstructure is critical to the success of implantable grafts. In this paper, we present the performance of an adhesive bioresorbable patch designed to cover the entry tear of aortic dissections. We demonstrate the power of using a biomimetic scaffold in a vascular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemí Balà
- IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Aortyx SL, Teia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Aranda
- IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Aortyx SL, Teia, Spain
| | - Pau Teixidó
- IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Aortyx SL, Teia, Spain
| | - Carlota Molhoek
- IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Aortyx SL, Teia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Adam Groothuis
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elazer Reuven Edelman
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mercedes Balcells
- IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Salvador Borrós
- IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Aortyx SL, Teia, Spain
| | - Jordi Martorell
- IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Aortyx SL, Teia, Spain
| | - Vicente Riambau
- Aortyx SL, Teia, Spain
- Vascular Surgery Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Mohammadkhah M, Klinge S. Review paper: The importance of consideration of collagen cross-links in computational models of collagen-based tissues. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 148:106203. [PMID: 37879165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106203] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Collagen as the main protein in Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) is the main load-bearing component of fibrous tissues. Nanostructure and architecture of collagen fibrils play an important role in mechanical behavior of these tissues. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have so far been performed to capture these properties, but none of the current models realistically represent the complexity of network mechanics because still less is known about the collagen's inner structure and its effect on the mechanical properties of tissues. The goal of this review article is to emphasize the significance of cross-links in computational modeling of different collagen-based tissues, and to reveal the need for continuum models to consider cross-links properties to better reflect the mechanical behavior observed in experiments. In addition, this study outlines the limitations of current investigations and provides potential suggestions for the future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Mohammadkhah
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Mechanics, Chair of Structural Mechanics and Analysis, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sandra Klinge
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Mechanics, Chair of Structural Mechanics and Analysis, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
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7
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Dalbosco M, Terzano M, Carniel TA, Fancello EA, Holzapfel GA. A two-scale numerical study on the mechanobiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230472. [PMID: 37907092 PMCID: PMC10618057 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0472] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a serious condition whose pathophysiology is related to phenomena occurring at different length scales. To gain a better understanding of the disease, this work presents a multi-scale computational study that correlates AAA progression with microstructural and mechanical alterations in the tissue. Macro-scale geometries of a healthy aorta and idealized aneurysms with increasing diameter are developed on the basis of existing experimental data and subjected to physiological boundary conditions. Subsequently, microscopic representative volume elements of the abluminal side of each macro-model are employed to analyse the local kinematics at the cellular scale. The results suggest that the formation of the aneurysm disrupts the micromechanics of healthy tissue, which could trigger collagen growth and remodelling by mechanosensing cells. The resulting changes to the macro-mechanics and microstructure of the tissue seem to establish a new homeostatic state at the cellular scale, at least for the diameter range investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misael Dalbosco
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- GRANTE—Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Michele Terzano
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Thiago A. Carniel
- Polytechnic School, Community University of Chapecó Region, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Community University of Chapecó Region, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A. Fancello
- GRANTE—Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- LEBm—University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gerhard A. Holzapfel
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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8
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Hegner A, Wittek A, Derwich W, Huß A, Gámez AJ, Blase C. Using averaged models from 4D ultrasound strain imaging allows to significantly differentiate local wall strains in calcified regions of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:1709-1727. [PMID: 37405538 PMCID: PMC10511614 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01738-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a degenerative disease of the aorta associated with high mortality. To date, in vivo information to characterize the individual elastic properties of the aneurysm wall in terms of rupture risk is lacking. We have used time-resolved 3D ultrasound strain imaging to calculate spatially resolved in-plane strain distributions characterized by mean and local maximum strains, as well as indices of local variations in strains. Likewise, we here present a method to generate averaged models from multiple segmentations. Strains were then calculated for single segmentations and averaged models. After registration with aneurysm geometries based on CT-A imaging, local strains were divided into two groups with and without calcifications and compared. Geometry comparison from both imaging modalities showed good agreement with a root mean squared error of 1.22 ± 0.15 mm and Hausdorff Distance of 5.45 ± 1.56 mm (mean ± sd, respectively). Using averaged models, circumferential strains in areas with calcifications were 23.2 ± 11.7% (mean ± sd) smaller and significantly distinguishable at the 5% level from areas without calcifications. For single segmentations, this was possible only in 50% of cases. The areas without calcifications showed greater heterogeneity, larger maximum strains, and smaller strain ratios when computed by use of the averaged models. Using these averaged models, reliable conclusions can be made about the local elastic properties of individual aneurysm (and long-term observations of their change), rather than just group comparisons. This is an important prerequisite for clinical application and provides qualitatively new information about the change of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in the course of disease progression compared to the diameter criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Hegner
- Personalized Biomedical Engineering Lab, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design, School of Engineering, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Andreas Wittek
- Personalized Biomedical Engineering Lab, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wojciech Derwich
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Armin Huß
- Personalized Biomedical Engineering Lab, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Antonio J. Gámez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design, School of Engineering, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Christopher Blase
- Personalized Biomedical Engineering Lab, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Cell and Vascular Mechanics, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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9
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Cosentino F, Sherifova S, Sommer G, Raffa G, Pilato M, Pasta S, Holzapfel GA. Regional biomechanical characterization of human ascending aortic aneurysms: Microstructure and biaxial mechanical response. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:107-117. [PMID: 37579911 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) is a permanent dilatation of the vessel with a high risk of adverse events, and shows heterogeneous properties. To investigate regional differences in the biomechanical properties of ATAAs, tissue samples were collected from 10 patients with tricuspid aortic valve phenotype and specimens from minor, anterior, major, and posterior regions were subjected to multi-ratio planar biaxial extension tests and second-harmonic generation (SHG) imaging. Using the data, parameters of a microstructure-motivated constitutive model were obtained considering fiber dispersion. SHG imaging showed disruptions in the organization of the layers. Structural and material parameters did not differ significantly between regions. The non-symmetric fiber dispersion model proposed by Holzapfel et al. [25] was used to fit the data. The mean angle of collagen fibers was negatively correlated between minor and anterior regions, and the parameter associated with collagen fiber stiffness was positively correlated between minor and major regions. Furthermore, correlations were found between the stiffness of the ground matrix and the mean fiber angle, and between the parameter associated with the collagen fiber stiffness and the out-of-plane dispersion parameter in the posterior and minor regions, respectively. The experimental data collected in this study contribute to the biomechanical data available in the literature on human ATAAs. Region-specific parameters for the constitutive models are fundamental to improve the current risk stratification strategies, which are mainly based on aortic size. Such investigations can facilitate the development of more advanced finite element models capable of capturing the regional heterogeneity of pathological tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tissue samples of human ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (ATAA) were collected. Samples from four regions underwent multi-ratio planar biaxial extension tests and second-harmonic generation imaging. Region-specific parameters of a microstructure-motivated model considering fiber dispersion were obtained. Structural and material parameters did not differ significantly between regions, however, the mean fiber angle was negatively correlated between minor and anterior regions, and the parameter associated with collagen fiber stiffness was positively correlated between minor and major regions. Furthermore, correlations were found between the stiffness of the ground matrix and the mean fiber angle, and between the parameter associated with the collagen fiber stiffness and the out-of-plane dispersion parameter in the posterior and minor regions, respectively. This study provides a unique set of mechanical and structural data, supporting the microstructural influence on the tissue response. It may facilitate the development of better finite element models capable of capturing the regional tissue heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cosentino
- Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy; Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Selda Sherifova
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | - Gerhard Sommer
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Raffa
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Cardiothoracic Diseases and Cardiothoracic Transplantation, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Michele Pilato
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Cardiothoracic Diseases and Cardiothoracic Transplantation, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pasta
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Italy; Department for the Treatment and Study of Cardiothoracic Diseases and Cardiothoracic Transplantation, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gerhard A Holzapfel
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Austria; Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
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10
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Raj M K, Priyadarshani J, Karan P, Bandyopadhyay S, Bhattacharya S, Chakraborty S. Bio-inspired microfluidics: A review. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:051503. [PMID: 37781135 PMCID: PMC10539033 DOI: 10.1063/5.0161809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Biomicrofluidics, a subdomain of microfluidics, has been inspired by several ideas from nature. However, while the basic inspiration for the same may be drawn from the living world, the translation of all relevant essential functionalities to an artificially engineered framework does not remain trivial. Here, we review the recent progress in bio-inspired microfluidic systems via harnessing the integration of experimental and simulation tools delving into the interface of engineering and biology. Development of "on-chip" technologies as well as their multifarious applications is subsequently discussed, accompanying the relevant advancements in materials and fabrication technology. Pointers toward new directions in research, including an amalgamated fusion of data-driven modeling (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning) and physics-based paradigm, to come up with a human physiological replica on a synthetic bio-chip with due accounting of personalized features, are suggested. These are likely to facilitate physiologically replicating disease modeling on an artificially engineered biochip as well as advance drug development and screening in an expedited route with the minimization of animal and human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Raj M
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600036, India
| | - Jyotsana Priyadarshani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section (BMe), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300, 3001 Louvain, Belgium
| | - Pratyaksh Karan
- Géosciences Rennes Univ Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes, UMR 6118, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Saumyadwip Bandyopadhyay
- Advanced Technology Development Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Soumya Bhattacharya
- Achira Labs Private Limited, 66b, 13th Cross Rd., Dollar Layout, 3–Phase, JP Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560078, India
| | - Suman Chakraborty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
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11
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Wang X, Carpenter HJ, Ghayesh MH, Kotousov A, Zander AC, Amabili M, Psaltis PJ. A review on the biomechanical behaviour of the aorta. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 144:105922. [PMID: 37320894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105922] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Large aortic aneurysm and acute and chronic aortic dissection are pathologies of the aorta requiring surgery. Recent advances in medical intervention have improved patient outcomes; however, a clear understanding of the mechanisms leading to aortic failure and, hence, a better understanding of failure risk, is still missing. Biomechanical analysis of the aorta could provide insights into the development and progression of aortic abnormalities, giving clinicians a powerful tool in risk stratification. The complexity of the aortic system presents significant challenges for a biomechanical study and requires various approaches to analyse the aorta. To address this, here we present a holistic review of the biomechanical studies of the aorta by categorising articles into four broad approaches, namely theoretical, in vivo, experimental and combined investigations. Experimental studies that focus on identifying mechanical properties of the aortic tissue are also included. By reviewing the literature and discussing drawbacks, limitations and future challenges in each area, we hope to present a more complete picture of the state-of-the-art of aortic biomechanics to stimulate research on critical topics. Combining experimental modalities and computational approaches could lead to more comprehensive results in risk prediction for the aortic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Wang
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Harry J Carpenter
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Mergen H Ghayesh
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Andrei Kotousov
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Anthony C Zander
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Marco Amabili
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Peter J Psaltis
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia; Vascular Research Centre, Heart Health Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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12
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Bianchi D, Conti M, Bissacco D, Domanin M, Trimarchi S, Auricchio F. Impact of thoracic endovascular aortic repair on aortic biomechanics: Integration of in silico and ex vivo analysis using porcine model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 39:e3594. [PMID: 35340129 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is widespread in clinical practice for treating aortic diseases but it has relevant systemic complications, such as increase of the cardiac workload due to post-TEVAR aortic stiffening, and local issues such as re-entry tears due to the tissue damage caused by endograft interaction. The present study aims to elucidate these aortic biomechanical mechanisms by coupling ex vivo and in silico analysis. By ex vivo tests, the pulse wave velocity before and after TEVAR is measured. Uni-axial tensile tests are performed to measure regional mechanical response of tissue samples, supplied as input data for the in silico analysis. Numerical analysis is finally performed to compute the wall stress induced by the stent-graft deployment and the arterial pressurization. The ex vivo results highlight an increase of baseline PWV by a mean .78 m/s or 12% after TEVAR with a 100 mm stent-graft (p <.013). In the in silico analysis, the average von Mises stress in the landing zone increases of about 15% and 20% using, respectively stent-graft with radial oversizing of 10% and 20%. This work shows the effectiveness of integrated framework to analyze the biomechanical post TEVAR mechanisms. Moreover, the obtained results quantify the effect of prosthesis selection on the stiffening of the aorta after TEVAR and on the local increase of the aortic wall stress that is proportional to the stent-graft oversizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bianchi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Conti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Bissacco
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Domanin
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Santi Trimarchi
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Auricchio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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13
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Agrafiotis E, Mayer C, Grabenwöger M, Zimpfer D, Regitnig P, Mächler H, Holzapfel GA. Global and local stiffening of ex vivo-perfused stented human thoracic aortas: A mock circulation study. Acta Biomater 2023; 161:170-183. [PMID: 36849029 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
The effects of thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) on the biomechanical properties of aortic tissue have not been adequately studied. Understanding these features is important for the management of endograft-triggered complications of a biomechanical nature. This study aims to examine how stent-graft implantation affects the elastomechanical behavior of the aorta. Non-pathological human thoracic aortas (n=10) were subjected to long-standing perfusion (8h) within a mock circulation loop under physiological conditions. To quantify compliance and its mismatch in the test periods without and with a stent, the aortic pressure and the proximal cyclic circumferential displacement were measured. After perfusion, biaxial tension tests (stress-stretch) were carried out to examine the stiffness profiles between non-stented and stented tissue, followed by a histological assessment. Experimental evidence shows: (i) a significant reduction in aortic distensibility after TEVAR, indicating aortic stiffening and compliance mismatch, (ii) a stiffer behavior of the stented samples compared to the non-stented samples with an earlier entry into the nonlinear part of the stress-stretch curve and (iii) strut-induced histological remodeling of the aortic wall. The biomechanical and histological comparison of the non-stented and stented aortas provides new insights into the interaction between the stent-graft and the aortic wall. The knowledge gained could refine the stent-graft design to minimize the stent-induced impacts on the aortic wall and the resulting complications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Stent-related cardiovascular complications occur the moment the stent-graft expands on the human aortic wall. Clinicians base their diagnosis on the anatomical morphology of CT scans while neglecting the endograft-triggered biomechanical events that compromise aortic compliance and wall mechanotransduction. Experimental replication of endovascular repair in cadaver aortas within a mock circulation loop may have a catalytic effect on biomechanical and histological findings without an ethical barrier. Demonstrating interactions between the stent and the wall can help clinicians make a broader diagnosis such as ECG-triggered oversizing and stent-graft characteristics based on patient-specific anatomical location and age. In addition, the results can be used to optimize towards more aortophilic stent grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Mayer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Grabenwöger
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinic Floridsdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Zimpfer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Regitnig
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Heinrich Mächler
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gerhard A Holzapfel
- Institute of Biomechanics, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria; Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
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14
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Dynamic Loading-A New Marker for Abdominal Aneurysm Growth? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020404. [PMID: 36837605 PMCID: PMC9967562 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The growing possibilities of non-invasive heart rate and blood pressure measurement with mobile devices allow vital data to be continuously collected and used to assess patients' health status. When it comes to the risk assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), the continuous tracking of blood pressure and heart rate could enable a more patient-specific approach. The use of a load function and an energy function, with continuous blood pressure, heart rate, and aneurysm stiffness as input parameters, can quantify dynamic load on AAA. We hypothesise that these load functions correlate with aneurysm growth and outline a possible study procedure in which the hypothesis could be tested for validity. Subsequently, uncertainty quantification of input quantities and derived quantities is performed.
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15
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Derycke L, Avril S, Millon A. Patient-Specific Numerical Simulations of Endovascular Procedures in Complex Aortic Pathologies: Review and Clinical Perspectives. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030766. [PMID: 36769418 PMCID: PMC9917982 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The endovascular technique is used in the first line treatment in many complex aortic pathologies. Its clinical outcome is mostly determined by the appropriate selection of a stent-graft for a specific patient and the operator's experience. New tools are still needed to assist practitioners with decision making before and during procedures. For this purpose, numerical simulation enables the digital reproduction of an endovascular intervention with various degrees of accuracy. In this review, we introduce the basic principles and discuss the current literature regarding the use of numerical simulation for endovascular management of complex aortic diseases. Further, we give the future direction of everyday clinical applications, showing that numerical simulation is about to revolutionize how we plan and carry out endovascular interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Derycke
- Department of Cardio-Vascular and Vascular Surgery, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, F-75015 Paris, France
- Centre CIS, Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, INSERM, SAINBIOSE U1059, F-42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Stephane Avril
- Centre CIS, Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, INSERM, SAINBIOSE U1059, F-42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Antoine Millon
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Louis Pradel University Hospital, F-69500 Bron, France
- Correspondence:
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16
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Jansen LC, Schwab HM, van de Vosse FN, van Sambeek MRHM, Lopata RGP. Local and global distensibility assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms in vivo from probe tracked 2D ultrasound images. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 4:1052213. [PMID: 36699662 PMCID: PMC9869420 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.1052213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rupture risk estimation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients is currently based on the maximum diameter of the AAA. Mechanical properties that characterize the mechanical state of the vessel may serve as a better rupture risk predictor. Non-electrocardiogram-gated (non-ECG-gated) freehand 2D ultrasound imaging is a fast approach from which a reconstructed volumetric image of the aorta can be obtained. From this 3D image, the geometry, volume, and maximum diameter can be obtained. The distortion caused by the pulsatility of the vessel during the acquisition is usually neglected, while it could provide additional quantitative parameters of the vessel wall. In this study, a framework was established to semi-automatically segment probe tracked images of healthy aortas (N = 10) and AAAs (N = 16), after which patient-specific geometries of the vessel at end diastole (ED), end systole (ES), and at the mean arterial pressure (MAP) state were automatically assessed using heart frequency detection and envelope detection. After registration AAA geometries were compared to the gold standard computed tomography (CT). Local mechanical properties, i.e., compliance, distensibility and circumferential strain, were computed from the assessed ED and ES geometries for healthy aortas and AAAs, and by using measured brachial pulse pressure values. Globally, volume, compliance, and distensibility were computed. Geometries were in good agreement with CT geometries, with a median similarity index and interquartile range of 0.91 [0.90-0.92] and mean Hausdorff distance and interquartile range of 4.7 [3.9-5.6] mm. As expected, distensibility (Healthy aortas: 80 ± 15·10-3 kPa-1; AAAs: 29 ± 9.6·10-3 kPa-1) and circumferential strain (Healthy aortas: 0.25 ± 0.03; AAAs: 0.15 ± 0.03) were larger in healthy vessels compared to AAAs. Circumferential strain values were in accordance with literature. Global healthy aorta distensibility was significantly different from AAAs, as was demonstrated with a Wilcoxon test (p-value = 2·10-5). Improved image contrast and lateral resolution could help to further improve segmentation to improve mechanical characterization. The presented work has demonstrated how besides accurate geometrical assessment freehand 2D ultrasound imaging is a promising tool for additional mechanical property characterization of AAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa C. Jansen
- Photoacoustics and Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands,Department of Vascular Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands,Correspondence: Larissa C. Jansen
| | - Hans-Martin Schwab
- Photoacoustics and Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Frans N. van de Vosse
- Cardiovascular Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Marc R. H. M. van Sambeek
- Photoacoustics and Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands,Department of Vascular Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Richard G. P. Lopata
- Photoacoustics and Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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17
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Ng E, Looi LJC. Numerical analysis of biothermal-fluids and cardiac thermal pulse of abdominal aortic aneurysm. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:10213-10251. [PMID: 36031992 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are serious and difficult to detect, conditions can be deadly if they rupture. In this study, the heat transfer and flow physics of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) were discussed and associated with cardiac cycle to illustrate the cardiac thermal pulse (CTP) of AAA. A CTP and infrared thermography (IRT) evaluation-based on AAA and abdomen skin surface detection method was proposed, respectively. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a promising imaging technique that may detect AAA quicker and cheaper than other imaging techniques (as biomarker). From CFD rigid-wall and FSI Analysis, the transient bioheat transfer effect resulted in a distinct thermal signature (circular thermal elevation) on the temperature profile of midriff skin surface, at both regular body temperature and supine position, under normal clinical temperature. However, it is important to note that thermography is not a perfect technology, and it does have some limitations, such as lack of clinical trials. There is still work to be done to improve this imaging technique and make it a more viable and accurate method for detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, thermography is currently one of the most convenient technologies in this field, and it has the potential to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms earlier than other techniques. CTP, on the other hand, was used to examine the thermal physics of AAA. In CFD rigid-wall Analysis, AAA had a CTP that only responded to systolic phase at regular body temperature. In contrast, a healthy abdominal aorta displayed a CTP that responded to the full cardiac cycle, including diastolic phase at all simulated cases. Besides, the findings from FSI Analysis suggest the influence of numerical simulation techniques on the prediction of thermal physics behaviours of AAA and abdominal skin surface. Lastly, this study correlated the relationship between natural convective heat transfer coefficient with AAA and provided reference for potential clinical diagnostic using IRT in clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyk Ng
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798
| | - Leonard Jun Cong Looi
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798
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18
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Muhib F, Islam MD, Arafat MT. A study on the computational hemodynamic and mechanical parameters for understanding intracranial aneurysms of patients with hypertension and atrial fibrillation. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2022.101031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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19
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Dalbosco M, Carniel TA, Fancello EA, Holzapfel GA. Multiscale simulations suggest a protective role of neo-adventitia in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Acta Biomater 2022; 146:248-258. [PMID: 35526737 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a dangerous cardiovascular disease, the pathogenesis of which is not yet fully understood. In the present work a recent mechanopathological theory, which correlates AAA progression with microstructural and mechanical alterations in the tissue, is investigated using multiscale models. The goal is to combine these changes, within the framework of mechanobiology, with possible mechanical cues that are sensed by vascular cells along the AAA pathogenesis. Particular attention is paid to the formation of a 'neo-adventitia' on the abluminal side of the aortic wall, which is characterized by a highly random (isotropic) distribution of collagen fibers. Macro- and micro-scale results suggest that the formation of an AAA, as expected, perturbs the micromechanical state of the aortic tissue and triggers a growth and remodeling (G&R) reaction by mechanosensing cells such as fibroblasts. This G&R then leads to the formation of a thick neo-adventitia that appears to bring the micromechanical state of the tissue closer to the original homeostatic level. In this context, this new layer could act like a protective sheath, similar to the tunica adventitia in healthy aortas. This potential 'attempt at healing' by vascular cells would have important implications on the stability of the AAA wall and thus on the risk of rupture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Current clinical criteria for risk assessment in AAAs are still empirical, as the causes and mechanisms of the disease are not yet fully understood. The strength of the arterial tissue is closely related to its microstructure, which in turn is remodeled by mechanosensing cells in the course of the disease. In this study, multiscale simulations show a possible connection between mechanical cues at the microscopic level and collagen G&R in AAA tissue. It should be emphasized that these micromechanical cues cannot be visualized in vivo. Therefore, the results presented here will help to advance our current understanding of the disease and motivate future experimental studies, with important implications for AAA risk assessment.
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20
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Horný L, Roubalová L, Kronek J, Chlup H, Adámek T, Blanková A, Petřivý Z, Suchý T, Tichý P. Correlation between age, location, orientation, loading velocity and delamination strength in the human aorta. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 133:105340. [PMID: 35785636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aortic dissection is a biomechanical phenomenon associated with a failure of internal cohesion, which manifests itself through the delamination of the aortic wall. The goal of this study is to deepen our knowledge of the delamination strength of the aorta. To achieve this, 661 peeling experiments were carried out with strips of the human aorta collected from 46 cadavers. The samples were ordered into groups with respect to (1) anatomical location, (2) orientation of the sample, and (3) extension rate used within the experiment. The obtained results are in accordance with the hypothesis that delamination resistance is not sensitive to the extension rates 0.1, 1, 10, and 50 mms-1. We arrived at this conclusion for all positions along the aorta investigated in our study. These were the thoracic ascending (AAs), thoracic descending (ADs), and the abdominal aorta (AAb), simultaneously considering both the longitudinal (L) as well as the circumferential (C) orientations of the samples. On the other hand, our results showed that the delamination strength differs significantly with respect to the anatomical position and orientation of the sample. The medians of the delamination strength were as follows, 4.1 in AAs-L, 3.2 in AAs-C, 3.1 in ADs-L, 2.4 in ADs-C, AAb-L in 3.6, and 2.7 in AAb-C case (all values are in 0.01·Nmm-1). This suggests that resistance to crack propagation should be an anisotropic property and that the aorta is inhomogeneous along its length from the point of view of delamination resistance. Finally, correlation analysis proved that the delamination strength of the human aorta significantly decreases with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Horný
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lucie Roubalová
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Kronek
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Chlup
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Adámek
- Regional Hospital Liberec, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Husova 357/10, 460 63, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Alžběta Blanková
- Regional Hospital Liberec, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Husova 357/10, 460 63, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Petřivý
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Suchý
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics of The Czech Academy of Sciences, V Holešovičkách 94/41, 182 09, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Tichý
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic
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21
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Linka K, Cavinato C, Humphrey JD, Cyron CJ. Predicting and understanding arterial elasticity from key microstructural features by bidirectional deep learning. Acta Biomater 2022; 147:63-72. [PMID: 35643194 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Microstructural features and mechanical properties are closely related in all soft biological tissues. Both yet exhibit considerable inter-individual differences and are affected by factors such as aging and disease and its progression. Histological analysis, modern in situ imaging, and biomechanical testing have deepened our understanding of these complex interrelations, yet two key questions remain: (1) Given the specific microstructure, can one predict the macroscopic mechanical properties without mechanical testing? (2) Can one quantify individual contributions of the different microstructural features to the macroscopic mechanical properties in an automated, systematic and largely unbiased way? Here we propose a bidirectional deep learning architecture to address these two questions. Our architecture uses data from standard histological analyses, two-photon microscopy and biaxial biomechanical testing. Its capabilities are demonstrated by predicting with high accuracy (R2=0.92) the evolving mechanical properties of the murine aorta during maturation and aging. Moreover, our architecture reveals that the extracellular matrix composition and organization are the most prominent factors governing the macroscopic mechanical properties of the tissues studied herein. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: .
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Linka
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cristina Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany.
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22
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Choudhury T, Arunachalam R, Khanna A, Jasinska E, Bolshev V, Panchenko V, Leonowicz Z. A Social Network Analysis Approach to COVID-19 Community Detection Techniques. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073791. [PMID: 35409474 PMCID: PMC8997780 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Machine learning techniques facilitate efficient analysis of complex networks, and can be used to discover communities. This study aimed use such approaches to raise awareness of the COVID-19. In this regard, social network analysis describes the clustering and classification processes for detecting communities. The background of this paper analyzed the geographical distribution of Tambaram, Chennai, and its public health care units. This study assessed the spatial distribution and presence of spatiotemporal clustering of public health care units in different geographical settings over four months in the Tambaram zone. To partition a homophily synthetic network of 100 nodes into clusters, an empirical evaluation of two search strategies was conducted for all IDs centrality of linkage is same. First, we analyzed the spatial information between the nodes for segmenting the sparse graph of the groups. Bipartite The structure of the sociograms 1–50 and 51–100 was taken into account while segmentation and divide them is based on the clustering coefficient values. The result of the cohesive block yielded 5.86 density values for cluster two, which received a percentage of 74.2. This research objective indicates that sub-communities have better access to influence, which might be leveraged to appropriately share information with the public could be used in the sharing of information accurately with the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanupriya Choudhury
- Informatics Cluster, School of Computer Science, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun 248007, India
- Correspondence: (T.C.); (V.B.); Tel.: +91-9711938087 (T.C.); +7-499-174-85-95 (V.B.)
| | - Rohini Arunachalam
- Miracle Educational Society Group of Institutions, ViziaNagaram 535216, Andhra Pradesh, India;
| | - Abhirup Khanna
- Systemics Cluster, School of Computer Science, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Elzbieta Jasinska
- Department of Operations Research and Business Intelligence, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Vadim Bolshev
- Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM, 109428 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence: (T.C.); (V.B.); Tel.: +91-9711938087 (T.C.); +7-499-174-85-95 (V.B.)
| | - Vladimir Panchenko
- Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM, 109428 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Russian Open Academy of Transport, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zbigniew Leonowicz
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland;
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23
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Piotrkowska R, Sanecka N, Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska W, Jarzynkowski P. Beliefs about Pain Control in Patients after Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery-A Preliminary Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063708. [PMID: 35329395 PMCID: PMC8951241 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Pain-control beliefs significantly influence the perception of disease and, therefore, may influence the treatment outcomes of surgical patients. The sense of control is related to the sense of agency and the ability to influence one’s own life and environment. This construct may be external or internal. The belief that pain control depends on internal or external factors can depend on many variables. This may be influenced by socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the source and cause of pain. The aim of the study was the assessment of the relationship between the intensity of postoperative pain and beliefs about pain control in patients after AAA surgery and assessment of the relationship between socio-demographic and clinical variables and beliefs about pain control in patients after AAA surgery. Materials and Methods: The research material consisted of 42 patients aged 57 to 85, hospitalized at the Department of Cardiac Surgery and Vascular Surgery of the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk. The research was conducted from March to September 2020. The study uses a survey technique based on a standardized research tool: the Polish version of the BPCQ (The Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire), the NRS (Numerical Rating Scale), and the author’s own questionnaire that allows for the collection of socio-demographic data. Results: The highest intensity of pain was observed in subjects with ruptured AAA H (2) = 6.19; p < 0.05 and subjects who underwent classic surgery Z = −2.95; p < 0.05 (non-parametric Mann−Whitney U test). Subjects with ruptured aneurysms are less convinced about the influence of internal factors on pain control H (2) = 5.26; p < 0.05. The respondents’ conviction about the influence of doctors on pain control increased together with their age, rHO = 0.38, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Pain intensity after surgery did not significantly correlate with beliefs about pain control. Patients with ruptured AAA are less convinced about the influence of internal factors on pain control. With age, patients have more confidence in their doctors than in themselves to control their pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Piotrkowska
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Natalia Sanecka
- Clinic of Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, University Clinical Centre, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Wioletta Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska
- Department of Anaesthesiology Nursing and Intensive Care, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Piotr Jarzynkowski
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Asgari M, Latifi N, Giovanniello F, Espinosa HD, Amabili M. Revealing Layer‐Specific Ultrastructure and Nanomechanics of Fibrillar Collagen in Human Aorta via Atomic Force Microscopy Testing: Implications on Tissue Mechanics at Macroscopic Scale. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Asgari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering McGill University 817 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal QC H3A 0C3 Canada
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Neda Latifi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering University of Toronto 5 King's College Road Toronto ON M5S 3G8 Canada
| | - Francesco Giovanniello
- Department of Mechanical Engineering McGill University 817 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal QC H3A 0C3 Canada
| | - Horacio D. Espinosa
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Marco Amabili
- Department of Mechanical Engineering McGill University 817 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal QC H3A 0C3 Canada
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25
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Zhang S, Laubrie JD, Mousavi SJ, Avril S. 3D finite-element modeling of vascular adaptation after endovascular aneurysm repair. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022; 38:e3547. [PMID: 34719114 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aneurysm shrinkage is clinically observed after successful endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, global understanding of post-operative aneurysm evolutions remains weak. In this work, we propose to study these effects using numerical simulation. We set up a 3D finite-element model of post-EVAR vascular adaptation within an open-source finite-element code, which was initially developed for growth and remodeling (G&R). We modeled the endograft with a set of uniaxial prestrained springs that apply radial forces on the inner surface of the artery. Constitutive equations, momentum balance equations, and equations related to the mechanobiology of the artery were formulated based on the homogenized constrained mixture theory. We performed a sensitivity analysis by varying different selected parameters, namely oversizing and compliance of the stent-graft, gain parameters related to collagen G&R, and the residual pressure in the aneurysm sac. This permitted us to evaluate how each factor influences post-EVAR vascular adaptation. It was found that oversizing, compliance or gain parameters have a limited influence compared to that of the residual pressure in the aneurysm sac, which was found to play a critical role in the stability of aneurysm after stent-graft implantation. An excessive residual pressure larger than 50 mmHg can induce a continuous expansion of the aneurysm while a moderate residual pressure below this critical threshold yields continuous shrinkage of the aneurysm. Moreover, it was found that elderly patients, with relatively lower amounts of remnant elastin in the arterial wall, are more sensitive to the effect of residual pressure. Therefore, these results show that elderly patients may present a higher potential risk of aortic sac expansion due to intra-aneurysm sac pressure after EVAR than younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Zhang
- Mines Saint-Étienne, Univ Lyon, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Joan D Laubrie
- Mines Saint-Étienne, Univ Lyon, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - S Jamaleddin Mousavi
- Mines Saint-Étienne, Univ Lyon, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Stéphane Avril
- Mines Saint-Étienne, Univ Lyon, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Saint-Étienne, France
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26
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Vastmans J, Maes L, Peirlinck M, Vanderveken E, Rega F, Kuhl E, Famaey N. Growth and remodeling in the pulmonary autograft: Computational evaluation using kinematic growth models and constrained mixture theory. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022; 38:e3545. [PMID: 34724357 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Computational investigations of how soft tissues grow and remodel are gaining more and more interest and several growth and remodeling theories have been developed. Roughly, two main groups of theories for soft tissues can be distinguished: kinematic-based growth theory and theories based on constrained mixture theory. Our goal was to apply these two theories on the same experimental data. Within the experiment, a pulmonary artery was exposed to systemic conditions. The change in diameter was followed-up over time. A mechanical and microstructural analysis of native pulmonary artery and pulmonary autograft was conducted. Whereas the kinematic-based growth theory is able to accurately capture the growth of the tissue, it does not account for the mechanobiological processes causing this growth. The constrained mixture theory takes into account the mechanobiological processes including removal, deposition and adaptation of all structural constituents, allowing us to simulate a changing microstructure and mechanical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Vastmans
- Biomechanics Section, Mechanical Engineering Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lauranne Maes
- Biomechanics Section, Mechanical Engineering Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mathias Peirlinck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- IBiTech-bioMMeda, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emma Vanderveken
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Rega
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Kuhl
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nele Famaey
- Biomechanics Section, Mechanical Engineering Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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27
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Avril S, Gee MW, Hemmler A, Rugonyi S. Patient-specific computational modeling of endovascular aneurysm repair: State of the art and future directions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 37:e3529. [PMID: 34490740 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has become the preferred intervention option for aortic aneurysms and dissections. This is because EVAR is much less invasive than the alternative open surgery repair. While in-hospital mortality rates are smaller for EVAR than open repair (1%-2% vs. 3%-5%), the early benefits of EVAR are lost after 3 years due to larger rates of complications in the EVAR group. Clinicians follow instructions for use (IFU) when possible, but are left with personal experience on how to best proceed and what choices to make with respect to stent-graft (SG) model choice, sizing, procedural options, and their implications on long-term outcomes. Computational modeling of SG deployment in EVAR and tissue remodeling after intervention offers an alternative way of testing SG designs in silico, in a personalized way before intervention, to ultimately select the strategies leading to better outcomes. Further, computational modeling can be used in the optimal design of SGs in cases of complex geometries. In this review, we address some of the difficulties and successes associated with computational modeling of EVAR procedures. There is still work to be done in all areas of EVAR in silico modeling, including model validation, before models can be applied in the clinic, but much progress has already been made. Critical to clinical implementation are current efforts focusing on developing fast algorithms that can achieve (near) real-time solutions, as well as ways of dealing with inherent uncertainties related to patient aortic wall degradation on an individualized basis. We are optimistic that EVAR modeling in the clinic will soon become a reality to help clinicians optimize EVAR interventions and ultimately reduce EVAR-associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Avril
- Mines Saint-Étienne, Univ Lyon, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Michael W Gee
- Mechanics & High Performance Computing Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - André Hemmler
- Mechanics & High Performance Computing Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Sandra Rugonyi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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28
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Exploring arterial tissue microstructural organization using non-Gaussian diffusion magnetic resonance schemes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22247. [PMID: 34782651 PMCID: PMC8593063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01476-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the alterations in microstructural organization of arterial tissue using higher-order diffusion magnetic resonance schemes. Three porcine carotid artery models namely; native, collagenase treated and decellularized, were used to estimate the contribution of collagen and smooth muscle cells (SMC) on diffusion signal attenuation using gaussian and non-gaussian schemes. The samples were imaged in a 7 T preclinical scanner. High spatial and angular resolution diffusion weighted images (DWIs) were acquired using two multi-shell (max b-value = 3000 s/mm2) acquisition protocols. The processed DWIs were fitted using monoexponential, stretched-exponential, kurtosis and bi-exponential schemes. Directionally variant and invariant microstructural parametric maps of the three artery models were obtained from the diffusion schemes. The parametric maps were used to assess the sensitivity of each diffusion scheme to collagen and SMC composition in arterial microstructural environment. The inter-model comparison showed significant differences across the considered models. The bi-exponential scheme based slow diffusion compartment (Ds) was highest in the absence of collagen, compared to native and decellularized microenvironments. In intra-model comparison, kurtosis along the radial direction was the highest. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of higher order dMRI schemes in mapping constituent specific alterations in arterial microstructure.
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29
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Weiss D, Latorre M, Rego BV, Cavinato C, Tanski BJ, Berman AG, Goergen CJ, Humphrey JD. Biomechanical consequences of compromised elastic fiber integrity and matrix cross-linking on abdominal aortic aneurysmal enlargement. Acta Biomater 2021; 134:422-434. [PMID: 34332103 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized histopathologically by compromised elastic fiber integrity, lost smooth muscle cells or their function, and remodeled collagen. We used a recently introduced mouse model of AAAs that combines enzymatic degradation of elastic fibers and blocking of lysyl oxidase, and thus matrix cross-linking, to study progressive dilatation of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, including development of intraluminal thrombus. We quantified changes in biomaterial properties and biomechanical functionality within the aneurysmal segment as a function of time of enlargement and degree of thrombosis. Towards this end, we combined multi-modality imaging with state-of-the art biomechanical testing and histology to quantify regional heterogeneities for the first time and we used a computational model of arterial growth and remodeling to test multiple hypotheses, suggested by the data, regarding the degree of lost elastin, accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, and rates of collagen turnover. We found that standard histopathological findings can be misleading, while combining advanced experimental and computational methods revealed that glycosaminoglycan accumulation is pathologic, not adaptive, and that heightened collagen deposition is ineffective if not cross-linked. In conclusion, loss of elastic fiber integrity can be a strong initiator of aortic aneurysms, but it is the rate and effectiveness of fibrillar collagen remodeling that dictates enlargement. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Precise mechanisms by which abdominal aortic aneurysms enlarge remain unclear, but a recent elastase plus β-aminopropionitrile mouse model provides new insight into disease progression. As in the human condition, the aortic degeneration and adverse remodeling are highly heterogeneous in this model. Our multi-modality experiments quantify and contrast the heterogeneities in geometry and biomaterial properties, and our computational modeling shows that standard histopathology can be misleading. Neither accumulating glycosaminoglycans nor frustrated collagen synthesis slow disease progression, thus highlighting the importance of stimulating adaptive collagen remodeling to limit lesion enlargement.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Latorre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - B V Rego
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - C Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - B J Tanski
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - A G Berman
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - C J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - J D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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30
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Velic A, Jaggessar A, Tesfamichael T, Li Z, Yarlagadda PKDV. Effects of Nanopillar Size and Spacing on Mechanical Perturbation and Bactericidal Killing Efficiency. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:2472. [PMID: 34684913 PMCID: PMC8540829 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nanopatterned surfaces administer antibacterial activity through contact-induced mechanical stresses and strains, which can be modulated by changing the nanopattern's radius, spacing and height. However, due to conflicting recommendations throughout the theoretical literature with poor agreement to reported experimental trends, it remains unclear whether these key dimensions-particularly radius and spacing-should be increased or decreased to maximize bactericidal efficiency. It is shown here that a potential failure of biophysical models lies in neglecting any out-of-plane effects of nanopattern contact. To highlight this, stresses induced by a nanopattern were studied via an analytical model based on minimization of strain and adhesion energy. The in-plane (areal) and out-of-plane (contact pressure) stresses at equilibrium were derived, as well as a combined stress (von Mises), which comprises both. Contour plots were produced to illustrate which nanopatterns elicited the highest stresses over all combinations of tip radius between 0 and 100 nm and center spacing between 0 and 200 nm. Considering both the in-plane and out-of-plane stresses drastically transformed the contour plots from those when only in-plane stress was evaluated, clearly favoring small tipped, tightly packed nanopatterns. In addition, the effect of changes to radius and spacing in terms of the combined stress showed the best qualitative agreement with previous reported trends in killing efficiency. Together, the results affirm that the killing efficiency of a nanopattern can be maximized by simultaneous reduction in tip radius and increase in nanopattern packing ratio (i.e., radius/spacing). These findings provide a guide for the design of highly bactericidal nanopatterned surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Prasad K. D. V. Yarlagadda
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Engineering Faculty, and Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; (A.V.); (A.J.); (T.T.); (Z.L.)
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31
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Gu Y, Liu L, Guo J, Xiao S, Fang F, Yu X, Gopinath SCB, Wu J, Liu X. Biomolecular assembly on interdigitated electrode nanosensor for selective detection of insulin-like growth factor-1. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 49:30-37. [PMID: 33467925 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2020.1865992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This research is focussed to quantify IGF1 by electroanalytical analysis on InterDigitated electrode surface and characterized by the microscopic observations. For the detection, antibody and aptamer were used to analyze the level of IGF1. The sandwich pattern (aptamer-IGF1-antibody) was designed on the chemically modified IDE surface and reached the limit of detection to 10 fM with 100 folds enhancement in the sensitivity. Different control experiments (absence of IGF1, binding with IGF2 and with non-complementary aptamer) were failed to show the current changes, discriminated the specific detection. A good detection strategy is to complement the currently following imaging systems for AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijie Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao City, China
| | - Jian Guo
- Department of Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao City, China
| | - Shun Xiao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao City, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao City, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao City, China
| | - Subash C B Gopinath
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Perlis, Malaysia.,Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Jianlie Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao City, China
| | - Xunqiang Liu
- Department of Vascular surgery, Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
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32
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Humphrey JD. Constrained Mixture Models of Soft Tissue Growth and Remodeling - Twenty Years After. JOURNAL OF ELASTICITY 2021; 145:49-75. [PMID: 34483462 PMCID: PMC8415366 DOI: 10.1007/s10659-020-09809-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Soft biological tissues compromise diverse cell types and extracellular matrix constituents, each of which can possess individual natural configurations, material properties, and rates of turnover. For this reason, mixture-based models of growth (changes in mass) and remodeling (change in microstructure) are well-suited for studying tissue adaptations, disease progression, and responses to injury or clinical intervention. Such approaches also can be used to design improved tissue engineered constructs to repair, replace, or regenerate tissues. Focusing on blood vessels as archetypes of soft tissues, this paper reviews a constrained mixture theory introduced twenty years ago and explores its usage since by contrasting simulations of diverse vascular conditions. The discussion is framed within the concept of mechanical homeostasis, with consideration of solid-fluid interactions, inflammation, and cell signaling highlighting both past accomplishments and future opportunities as we seek to understand better the evolving composition, geometry, and material behaviors of soft tissues under complex conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520 USA
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33
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De Leo N, Melillo A, Zhang P, Badach J, Miller H, Lin A, Williamson J, Ghobrial G, Gaughan J, Krishnadoss V, Noshadi I, Brown SA, Carpenter JP. Development of a Model for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Swine. J Surg Res 2021; 268:79-86. [PMID: 34289418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Producing a reliable large-animal model of AAA has proven challenging. We sought to create a reproducible swine model of AAA using enzymatic degradation of the aortic wall. METHODS Twelve male Yorkshire swine received periadventitial injections of type 1 collagenase and porcine pancreatic elastase into a 4 cm segment of infrarenal aorta. Nine survived until postoperative day (POD) 21. Aortic growth was monitored at 7 and 14 days using ultrasound. The animals were euthanized on POD 21, and the suprarenal (control) and infrarenal aorta were harvested for analysis, after gross measurement of aortic diameter (AD). Tensile strength was measured and additional segments were collected for histopathological analysis. PCR of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP9) was conducted. Groups were compared with paired t-tests, or ANOVA, where appropriate. RESULTS Average percent growth of AD at POD 21 for treated segments was 27% versus 4.5% for control tissue. The average difference in AD by subject, was 26.7% (P<0.001). Aortic medial thickness was decreased in treated tissue; 235 μm versus 645 μm (P<0.0001). Quantities of both medial elastin fibers, and smooth muscles cells were decreased in treated tissue; 1.8% compared to 9.9% (P<0.0001), and 24% versus 37.4%, respectively. Tensile strength was also decreased in treated tissue; 16.7 MPa versus 29.5 MPa (P=0.0002). A 12-fold increase in expression of MMP9 mRNA was also demonstrated in aneurysmal tissue (P=0.002) CONCLUSION: A reproducible, large-animal model of AAA, with anatomical, histopathological, and biomechanical properties that are clinically translatable, can be achieved with extraluminal enzymatic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas De Leo
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey.
| | - Atlee Melillo
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Ping Zhang
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Jeremy Badach
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Henry Miller
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Andrew Lin
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
| | - John Williamson
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Gaby Ghobrial
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
| | - J Gaughan
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
| | | | - Iman Noshadi
- Rowan University, College of Engineering, Glassboro, New Jersey
| | - Spencer A Brown
- Cooper Research Institute, Education and Research Building, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Jeffrey P Carpenter
- Cooper University Hospital/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Department of Surgery, Camden, New Jersey
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Abstract
Cells of the vascular wall are exquisitely sensitive to changes in their mechanical environment. In healthy vessels, mechanical forces regulate signaling and gene expression to direct the remodeling needed for the vessel wall to maintain optimal function. Major diseases of arteries involve maladaptive remodeling with compromised or lost homeostatic mechanisms. Whereas homeostasis invokes negative feedback loops at multiple scales to mediate mechanobiological stability, disease progression often occurs via positive feedback that generates mechanobiological instabilities. In this review, we focus on the cell biology, wall mechanics, and regulatory pathways associated with arterial health and how changes in these processes lead to disease. We discuss how positive feedback loops arise via biomechanical and biochemical means. We conclude that inflammation plays a central role in overriding homeostatic pathways and suggest future directions for addressing therapeutic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA;
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA;
- Department of Cell Biology, Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), and Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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Expression gradient of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors from proximal to distal segments of abdominal aortic aneurysm. J Appl Genet 2021; 62:499-506. [PMID: 34091862 PMCID: PMC8357691 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-021-00642-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm refers to abnormal, asymmetric distension of the infrarenal aortic wall due to pathological remodelling of the extracellular matrix. The distribution of enzymes remodelling the extracellular matrix and their expression patterns in the affected tissue are largely unknown. The goal of this work was to investigate the expression profiles of 20 selected genes coding for metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the proximal to the distal direction of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. RNA samples were purified from four lengthwise fragments of aneurysm and border tissue obtained from 29 patients. The quantities of selected mRNAs were determined by real-time PCR to reveal the expression patterns. The genes of interest encode collagenases (MMP1, MMP8, MMP13), gelatinases (MMP2, MMP9), stromelysins (MMP3, MMP7, MMP10, MMP11, MMP12), membrane-type MMPs (MMP14, MMP15, MMP16), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3, TIMP4), and ADAMTS proteinases (ADAMTS1, ADAMTS8, and ADAMTS13). It was found that MMP, TIMP, and ADAMTS are expressed in all parts of the aneurysm with different patterns. A developed aneurysm has such a disturbed expression of the main participants in extracellular matrix remodelling that it is difficult to infer the causes of the disorder development. MMP12 secreted by macrophages at the onset of inflammation may initiate extracellular matrix remodelling, which, if not controlled, initiates a feedback loop leading to aneurysm formation.
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Boyd AJ. Intraluminal thrombus: Innocent bystander or factor in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis? JVS Vasc Sci 2021; 2:159-169. [PMID: 34617066 PMCID: PMC8489244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) represent a complex multifactorial hemodynamic, thrombotic, and inflammatory process that can ultimately result in aortic rupture and death. Despite improved screening and surgical management of AAAs, the mortality rates have remained high after rupture, and little progress has occurred in the development of nonoperative treatments. Intraluminal thrombus (ILT) is present in most AAAs and might be involved in AAA pathogenesis. The present review examined the latest clinical and experimental evidence for possible involvement of the ILT in AAA growth and rupture. METHODS A literature review was performed after a search of the PubMed database from 2012 to June 2020 using the terms "abdominal aortic aneurysm" and "intraluminal thrombus." RESULTS The structure, composition, and hemodynamics of ILT formation and propagation were reviewed in relation to the hemostatic and proteolytic factors favoring ILT deposition. The potential effects of the ILT on AAA wall degeneration and rupture, including a review of the current controversies regarding the position, thickness, and composition of ILT, are presented. Although initially potentially protective against increased wall stress, increasing evidence has shown that an increased volume and greater age of the ILT have direct detrimental effects on aortic wall integrity, which might predispose to an increased rupture risk. CONCLUSIONS ILT does not appear to be an innocent bystander in AAA pathophysiology. However, its exact role remains elusive and controversial. Despite computational evidence of a possible protective role of the ILT in reducing wall stress, increasing evidence has shown that the ILT promotes AAA wall degeneration in humans and in animal models. Further research, with large animal models and with more chronic ILT is crucial for a better understanding of the role of the ILT in AAAs and for the potential development of targeted therapies to slow or halt AAA progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- April J. Boyd
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Machine Learning-Based Pulse Wave Analysis for Early Detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using In Silico Pulse Waves. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13050804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is usually asymptomatic until rupture, which is associated with extremely high mortality. Consequently, the early detection of AAAs is of paramount importance in reducing mortality; however, most AAAs are detected by medical imaging only incidentally. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of machine learning-based pulse wave (PW) analysis for the early detection of AAAs using a database of in silico PWs. PWs in the large systemic arteries were simulated using one-dimensional blood flow modelling. A database of in silico PWs representative of subjects (aged 55, 65 and 75 years) with different AAA sizes was created by varying the AAA-related parameters with major impacts on PWs—identified by parameter sensitivity analysis—in an existing database of in silico PWs representative of subjects without AAAs. Then, a machine learning architecture for AAA detection was trained and tested using the new in silico PW database. The parameter sensitivity analysis revealed that the AAA maximum diameter and stiffness of the large systemic arteries were the dominant AAA-related biophysical properties considerably influencing the PWs. However, AAA detection by PW indexes was compromised by other non-AAA related cardiovascular parameters. The proposed machine learning model produced a sensitivity of 86.8 % and a specificity of 86.3 % in early detection of AAA from the photoplethysmogram PW signal measured in the digital artery with added random noise. The number of false positive and negative results increased with increasing age and decreasing AAA size, respectively. These findings suggest that machine learning-based PW analysis is a promising approach for AAA screening using PW signals acquired by wearable devices.
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Petterson N, Sjoerdsma M, van Sambeek M, van de Vosse F, Lopata R. Mechanical characterization of abdominal aortas using multi-perspective ultrasound imaging. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 119:104509. [PMID: 33865067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical characterization of abdominal aortic aneurysms using personalized biomechanical models is being widely investigated as an alternative criterion to assess risk of rupture. These methods rely on accurate wall motion detection and appropriate model boundary conditions. In this study, multi-perspective ultrasound is combined with finite element models to perform mechanical characterization of abdominal aortas in volunteers. Multi-perspective biplane radio frequency ultrasound recordings were made under seven angles (-45° to 45°) in one phantom set-up and eight volunteers, which were merged using automatic image registration. 2-D displacement fields were estimated in the seven longitudinal ultrasound views, creating a sparse, high resolution 3-D map of the wall motion at relatively high frame rates (20-27 Hz). The displacements were used to personalize the subject-specific finite element model of which the geometry of the aorta, spine, and surrounding tissue were determined from a single 3-D ultrasound acquisition. Automatic registration of the multi-perspective images was successful in six out of eight cases with an average error of 5.4° compared to the ground truth. Displacements of the aortic wall were measured and cyclic strain of the aortic diameter was found ranging from 4.2% to 8.6%. The subject-specific mesh and inverse FE analysis was performed yielding shear moduli estimates for the wall between 104 and 215 kPa. Comparative results from a single-perspective workflow revealed very low aortic wall motion signal, which resulted in relatively high modulus estimates, between 230 and 754 kPa. Multi-perspective biplane ultrasound imaging was used to personalize finite element models of the abdominal aorta and its surroundings, and performing mechanical characterization of the aortic shear modulus. The method was found to be a more robust method compared to a single-perspective 3-D ultrasound approach. Future research will focus on investigating the use of multiple 3-D ultrasound acquisitions, the feasibility of free-hand scanning, the creation of a full 3-D automatic registration process, and with that, enable a clinical continuation of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Petterson
- Photoacoustics & Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marloes Sjoerdsma
- Photoacoustics & Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Marc van Sambeek
- Photoacoustics & Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Vascular Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Michelangelolaan 2, 5623 EJ, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Frans van de Vosse
- Cardiovascular Biomechanics Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Richard Lopata
- Photoacoustics & Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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Pejcic S, Najjari MR, Bisleri G, Rival DE. Characterization of the dynamic viscoelastic response of the ascending aorta imposed via pulsatile flow. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2021; 118:104395. [PMID: 33752093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study characterizes the material properties of a viscoelastic, ex vivo porcine ascending aorta under dynamic-loading conditions via pulsatile flow. The deformation of the opaque vessel wall and the pulsatile flow field inside the vessel were recorded using ultrasound imaging. The internal pressure was extracted from the pulsatile flow results and, when coupled with the vessel-wall expansion, was used to calculate the instantaneous elastic modulus from a novel, time-resolved two-dimensional (i.e. axial and circumferential) stress model. The circumferential instantaneous elasticity obtained from the two-dimensional stress model was found to match the uniaxial tensile test for strains below 50%. The agreement in elasticity between the two stress states reveals that the two-dimensional stress model accurately resolves the circumferential stress of the viscoelastic aorta at physiological strains (8%-30%). At higher strains, results from pulsatile flow generated a more compliant response than the uniaxial measurements. Viscoelastic properties (storage modulus and loss factor) were also calculated using the two-dimensional stress model and compared to those obtained from uniaxial tests. While instantaneous elasticity matched between the cylindrical and uniaxial loading, the viscoelastic behaviour significantly diverged between stress states. The storage modulus obtained from the pulsatile flow data was dependent on mean Reynolds number, while the uniaxial storage modulus results exhibited a strong inverse dependency on the frequency. The loss factor for the pulsatile flow data increased alongside the frequency, while the uniaxial data indicated a constant loss factor over the entire frequency range. The results of the current study show that the two-dimensional stress model can accurately extract the material properties of the ex vivo porcine aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pejcic
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen's University, 130 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - M R Najjari
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen's University, 130 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - G Bisleri
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - D E Rival
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen's University, 130 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
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Brunet J, Pierrat B, Badel P. A Parametric Study on Factors Influencing the Onset and Propagation of Aortic Dissection Using the Extended Finite Element Method. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2021; 68:2918-2929. [PMID: 33523804 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2021.3056022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aortic dissection is a life-threatening event which starts most of the time with an intimal tear propagating along the aortic wall, while blood enters the medial layer and delaminates the medial lamellar units. Studies investigating the mechanisms underlying the initiation sequence of aortic dissection are rare in the literature, the majority of studies being focused on the propagation event. Numerical models can provide a deeper understanding of the phenomena involved during the initiation and the propagation of the initial tear, and how geometrical and mechanical parameters affect this event. In the present paper, we investigated the primary factors contributing to aortic dissection. METHODS A two-layer arterial model with an initial tear was developed, representing three different possible configurations depending on the initial direction of the tear. Anisotropic damage initiation criteria were developed based on uniaxial and shear experiments from the literature to predict the onset and the direction of crack propagation. We used the XFEM-based cohesive segment method to model the initiation and the early propagation of the tear along the aorta. A design of experiment was used to quantify the influence of 7 parameters reflecting crack geometry and mechanics of the wall on the critical pressure triggering the dissection and the directions of propagation of the tear. RESULTS The results showed that the obtained critical pressures (mean range from 206 to 251 mmHg) are in line with measurement from the literature. The medial tensile strength was found to be the most influential factor, suggesting that a medial degeneration is needed to reach a physiological critical pressure and to propagate a tear in an aortic dissection. The geometry of the tear and its location inside the aortic wall were also found to have an important role not only in the triggering of tear propagation, but also in the evolution of the tear into either aortic rupture or aortic dissection. A larger and deeper initial tear increases the risk of aortic dissection. CONCLUSION The numerical model was able to reproduce the behaviour of the aorta during the initiation and propagation of an aortic dissection. In addition to confirm multiple results from the literature, different types of tears were compared and the influence of several geometrical and mechanical parameters on the critical pressure and direction of propagation was evaluated with a parametric study for each tear configuration. SIGNIFICANCE Although these results should be experimentally validated, they allow a better understanding of the phenomena behind aortic dissection and can help in improving the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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41
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Soleimani E, Mokhtari-Dizaji M, Fatouraee N, Saberi H. Stress distribution analysis in healthy and stenosed carotid artery models reconstructed from in vivo ultrasonography. Ultrasonography 2021; 40:428-441. [PMID: 33775008 PMCID: PMC8217799 DOI: 10.14366/usg.20131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the accuracy of models reconstructed from ultrasound image processing by comparing the radial displacement waveforms of a subject-specific artery model and evaluated stress changes in the proximal shoulder, throat, and distal shoulder of the plaques depending on the degree of carotid artery stenosis. Methods Three groups of subjects (healthy and with less than 50% or more carotid stenosis) were evaluated with ultrasonography. Two-dimensional transverse imaging of the common carotid artery was performed to reconstruct the geometry. A longitudinal view of the same region was recorded to extract the Kelvin viscoelastic model parameters. The pulse pressure waveform and the effective pressure of perivascular tissue were loaded onto the internal and external walls of the model. Effective, circumferential, and principal stresses applied to the plaque throat, proximal shoulder, and distal shoulder in the transverse planes were extracted. Results The radial displacement waveforms of the model were closely correlated with those of image processing in all three groups. The mean of the effective, circumferential, and principal stresses of the healthy arteries were 15.01±4.93, 12.97±5.07, and 12.39±2.86 kPa, respectively. As stenosis increased from mild to significant, the mean values of the effective, circumferential, and first principal stresses increased significantly (97%, 74%, and 103% at the plaque throat, respectively) (P<0.05). The minimum effective stress was at the lipid pool. The effective stress in calcified areas was higher than in other parts of the artery wall. Conclusion This model can discriminate differences in stresses applied to mildly and severely stenotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effat Soleimani
- Department of Medical Physics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nasser Fatouraee
- Department of Medical Engineering, AmirKabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hazhir Saberi
- Department of Radiology, Tehran Medical Sciences University, Imaging Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran
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Bracamonte JH, Wilson JS, Soares JS. Assessing Patient-Specific Mechanical Properties of Aortic Wall and Peri-Aortic Structures From In Vivo DENSE Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using an Inverse Finite Element Method and Elastic Foundation Boundary Conditions. J Biomech Eng 2020; 142:121011. [PMID: 32632452 DOI: 10.1115/1.4047721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of in vivo, noninvasive patient-specific, and regionally resolved techniques to quantify aortic properties is key to improving clinical risk assessment and scientific understanding of vascular growth and remodeling. A promising and novel technique to reach this goal is an inverse finite element method (FEM) approach that utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived displacement fields from displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE). Previous studies using DENSE MRI suggested that the infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA) deforms heterogeneously during the cardiac cycle. We hypothesize that this heterogeneity is driven in healthy aortas by regional adventitial tethering and interaction with perivascular tissues, which can be modeled with elastic foundation boundary conditions (EFBCs) using a collection of radially oriented springs with varying stiffness with circumferential distribution. Nine healthy IAAs were modeled using previously acquired patient-specific imaging and displacement fields from steady-state free procession (SSFP) and DENSE MRI, followed by assessment of aortic wall properties and heterogeneous EFBC parameters using inverse FEM. In contrast to traction-free boundary condition, prescription of EFBC reduced the nodal displacement error by 60% and reproduced the DENSE-derived heterogeneous strain distribution. Estimated aortic wall properties were in reasonable agreement with previously reported experimental biaxial testing data. The distribution of normalized EFBC stiffness was consistent among all patients and spatially correlated to standard peri-aortic anatomical features, suggesting that EFBC could be generalized for human adults with normal anatomy. This approach is computationally inexpensive, making it ideal for clinical research and future incorporation into cardiovascular fluid-structure analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johane H Bracamonte
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284
| | - John S Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 601 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284
| | - Joao S Soares
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284
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Ghavamian A, Mousavi SJ, Avril S. Computational Study of Growth and Remodeling in Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Considering Variations of Smooth Muscle Cell Basal Tone. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:587376. [PMID: 33224937 PMCID: PMC7670047 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.587376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the progression of Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (ATAA) using a computational model of Growth and Remodeling (G&R) taking into account the composite (elastin, four collagen fiber families and Smooth Muscle Cells—SMCs) and multi-layered (media and adventitia) nature of the aorta. The G&R model, which is based on the homogenized Constrained Mixture theory, is implemented as a UMAT in the Abaqus finite-element package. Each component of the mixture is assigned a strain energy density function: nearly-incompressible neo-Hookean for elastin and Fung-type for collagen and SMCs. Active SMCs tension is additionally considered, through a length-tension relationship having a classic inverted parabola shape, in order to investigate its effects on the progression of ATAA in a patient-specific model. A sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the potential impact of variations in the parameters of the length-tension relationships. These variations reflect in variations of SMCs normal tone during ATAA progression, with active stress contributions ranging between 30% (best case scenario) and 0% (worst case scenario) of the total wall circumferential stress. Low SMCs active stress in the worst case scenarios, in fact, affect the rates of collagen deposition by which the elastin loss is gradually compensated by collagen deposition in the simulated ATAA progression, resulting eventually in larger aneurysm diameters. The types of length-tension relationships leading to a drop of SMCs active stress in our simulations reveal a critical condition which could also result in SMCs apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ataollah Ghavamian
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - S Jamaleddin Mousavi
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Stéphane Avril
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, Saint-Étienne, France
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Liu M, Dong H, Lou X, Iannucci G, Chen EP, Leshnower BG, Sun W. A Novel Anisotropic Failure Criterion With Dispersed Fiber Orientations for Aortic Tissues. J Biomech Eng 2020; 142:111002. [PMID: 32766773 DOI: 10.1115/1.4048029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Accurate failure criteria play a fundamental role in biomechanical analyses of aortic wall rupture and dissection. Experimental investigations have demonstrated a significant difference of aortic wall strengths in the circumferential and axial directions. Therefore, the isotropic von Mises stress and maximum principal stress, commonly used in computational analysis of the aortic wall, are inadequate for modeling of anisotropic failure properties. In this study, we propose a novel stress-based anisotropic failure criterion with dispersed fiber orientations. In the new failure criterion, the overall failure metric is computed by using angular integration (AI) of failure metrics in all directions. Affine rotations of fiber orientations due to finite deformation are taken into account in an anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive model. To examine fitting capability of the failure criterion, a set of off-axis uniaxial tension tests were performed on aortic tissues of four porcine individuals and 18 human ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) patients. The dispersed fiber failure criterion demonstrates a good fitting capability with the off-axis testing data. Under simulated biaxial stress conditions, the dispersed fiber failure criterion predicts a smaller failure envelope comparing to those predicted by the traditional anisotropic criteria without fiber dispersion, which highlights the potentially important role of fiber dispersion in the failure of the aortic wall. Our results suggest that the deformation-dependent fiber orientations need to be considered when wall strength determined from uniaxial tests are used for in vivo biomechanical analysis. More investigations are needed to determine biaxial failure properties of the aortic wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minliang Liu
- Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30313
| | - Hai Dong
- Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30313
| | - Xiaoying Lou
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Glen Iannucci
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Edward P Chen
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | | | - Wei Sun
- Tissue Mechanics Laboratory, The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Technology Enterprise Park, Room 206 387 Technology Circle, Atlanta, GA 30313
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Sharma S, Prasad R, Gupta A, Dwivedi P, Mohindra S, Yadav RR. Aneurysms of pancreaticoduodenal arcade: Clinical profile and endovascular strategies. JGH Open 2020; 4:923-928. [PMID: 33102765 PMCID: PMC7578292 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aim Pancreaticoduodenal arcade aneurysms (PDAAs) are uncommon lesions associated with a significant risk of rupture and mortality. This study describes the etiology, clinical presentation, and endovascular management strategies of PDAAs across a spectrum of indications. Methods The clinical records of patients with PDAAs referred for endovascular management from January 2018 till November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on presenting symptoms, associated etiologies, and outcomes after endovascular treatment were collected and studied. Results We found 15 patients with false and 1 patient with true aneurysm of pancreatoduodenal arcade (PDA). The associated conditions were coeliac artery stenosis, severe necrotizing pancreatitis, and chronic pancreatitis or iatrogenic (postendoscopic papillotomy and percutaneous metallic biliary stenting). The main presenting feature was gastrointestinal bleed, while 2 patients had abdominal pain and 1 had gastric outlet obstruction. A multiphase computed tomography scan demonstrated the ruptured aneurysm in all patients. Site of origin of PDAA influenced the choice of transarterial endovascular strategy (coiling for aneurysms of main trunk of arteries and glue injection for those arising from small arterial branches). This was carried out in an emergency setting for 12 patients and as an elective procedure in 4 patients. Technical success was demonstrated in all patients and clinical success in 14. The two patients who had rebleed were salvaged by repeat endovascular procedure. Postembolization syndrome was seen in three patients. Conclusions With advancing technology, endovascular strategies continue to evolve. Careful attention to ensure hemodynamic resuscitation and stability, correction of pre‐existing coagulopathy and attention to technique can lead to the possibility of endovascular approaches as a dependable option in the management of ruptured PDAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Sharma
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow India
| | - Raghunanadan Prasad
- Department of Radiology Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow India
| | - Archna Gupta
- Department of Radiology Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow India
| | - Pranav Dwivedi
- Department of Radiology Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow India
| | - Samir Mohindra
- Department of Gastroenterology Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow India
| | - Rajanikant R Yadav
- Department of Radiology Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow India
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de Lucio M, García MF, García JD, Rodríguez LER, Marcos FÁ. On the importance of tunica intima in the aging aorta: a three-layered in silico model for computing wall stresses in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2020; 24:467-484. [PMID: 33090043 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2020.1836167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Layer-specific experimental data for human aortic tissue suggest that, in aged arteries and arteries with non-atherosclerotic intimal thickening, the innermost layer of the aorta increases significantly its stiffness and thickness, becoming load-bearing. However, there are very few computational studies of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) that take into account the mechanical contribution of the three layers that comprise the aneurysmal tissue. In this paper, a three-layered finite element model is proposed from the simplest uniaxial stress state to geometrically parametrized models of AAAs with different asymmetry values. Comparisons are made between a three-layered artery wall and a mono-layered intact artery, which represents the complex behavior of the aggregate adventitia-media-intima in a single layer with averaged mechanical properties. Likewise, the response of our idealized geometries is compared with similar experimental and numerical models. Finally, the mechanical contributions of adventitia, media and intima are analyzed for the three-layered aneurysms through the evaluation of the mean stress absorption percentage. Results show the relevance and necessity of considering the inclusion of tunica intima in multi-layered models of AAAs for getting accurate results in terms of peak wall stresses and displacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario de Lucio
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Marcos Fernández García
- Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab) and Centre for Advanced Structural Analysis (CASA), Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jacobo Díaz García
- Structural Mechanics Group, School of Civil Engineering, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Álvarez Marcos
- Angiology and Vascular Surgery Department, Asturias University Central Hospital (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
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Wang D, Serracino-Inglott F, Feng J. Numerical simulations of patient-specific models with multiple plaques in human peripheral artery: a fluid-structure interaction analysis. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2020; 20:255-265. [PMID: 32915332 PMCID: PMC7892515 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-020-01381-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaque in the femoral is the leading cause of peripheral artery disease (PAD), the worse consequence of which may lead to ulceration and gangrene of the feet. Numerical studies on fluid-structure interactions (FSI) of atherosclerotic femoral arteries enable quantitative analysis of biomechanical features in arteries. This study aims to investigate the hemodynamic performance and its interaction with femoral arterial wall based on the patient-specific model with multiple plaques (calcified and lipid plaques). Three types of models, calcification-only, lipid-only and calcification-lipid models, are established. Hyperelastic material coefficients of the human femoral arteries obtained from experimental studies are employed for all simulations. Oscillation of WSS is observed in the healthy downstream region in the lipid-only model. The pressure around the plaques in the two-plaque model is lower than that in the corresponding one-plaque models due to the reduction of blood flow domain, which consequently diminishes the loading forces on both plaques. Therefore, we found that stress acting on the plaques in the two-plaque model is lower than that in the corresponding one-plaque models. This finding implies that the lipid plaque, accompanied by the calcified plaque around, might reduce its risk of rupture due to the reduced the stress acting on it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Wang
- Department of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Jiling Feng
- Department of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
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Predictors of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risks. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7030079. [PMID: 32707846 PMCID: PMC7552640 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Computational biomechanics via finite element analysis (FEA) has long promised a means of assessing patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture risk with greater efficacy than current clinically used size-based criteria. The pursuit stems from the notion that AAA rupture occurs when wall stress exceeds wall strength. Quantification of peak (maximum) wall stress (PWS) has been at the cornerstone of this research, with numerous studies having demonstrated that PWS better differentiates ruptured AAAs from non-ruptured AAAs. In contrast to wall stress models, which have become progressively more sophisticated, there has been relatively little progress in estimating patient-specific wall strength. This is because wall strength cannot be inferred non-invasively, and measurements from excised patient tissues show a large spectrum of wall strength values. In this review, we highlight studies that investigated the relationship between biomechanics and AAA rupture risk. We conclude that combining wall stress and wall strength approximations should provide better estimations of AAA rupture risk. However, before personalized biomechanical AAA risk assessment can become a reality, better methods for estimating patient-specific wall properties or surrogate markers of aortic wall degradation are needed. Artificial intelligence methods can be key in stratifying patients, leading to personalized AAA risk assessment.
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Maiti S, Thunes JR, Fortunato RN, Gleason TG, Vorp DA. Computational modeling of the strength of the ascending thoracic aortic media tissue under physiologic biaxial loading conditions. J Biomech 2020; 108:109884. [PMID: 32635998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Type A Aortic Dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening condition involving delamination of ascending aortic media layers. While current clinical guidelines recommend surgical intervention for aneurysm diameter > 5.5 cm, high incidence of TAAD in patients below this diameter threshold indicates the pressing need for improved evidence-based risk prediction metrics. Construction of such metrics will require the knowledge of the biomechanical failure properties of the aortic wall tissue under biaxial loading conditions. We utilized a fiber-level finite element based structural model of the aortic tissue to quantify the relationship between aortic tissue strength and physiologically relevant biaxial stress state for nonaneurysmal and aneurysmal patient cohorts with tricuspid aortic valve phenotype. We found that the model predicted strength of the aortic tissue under physiologic biaxial loading conditions depends on the stress biaxiality ratio, defined by the ratio of the longitudinal and circumferential components of the tissue stress. We determined that predicted biaxial tissue strength is statistically similar to its uniaxial circumferential strength below biaxiality ratios of 0.68 and 0.69 for nonaneurysmal and aneurysmal cohorts, respectively. Beyond this biaxiality ratio, predicted biaxial strength for both cohorts reduced drastically to a magnitude statistically similar to its longitudinal strength. We identified fiber-level failure mechanisms operative under biaxial stress state governing aforementioned tissue failure behavior. These findings are an important first step towards the development of mechanism-based TAAD risk assessment metrics for early identification of high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spandan Maiti
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| | | | - Ronald N Fortunato
- Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Thomas G Gleason
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Vascular Remodeling and Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Vascular Remodeling and Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David A Vorp
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Vascular Remodeling and Regeneration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Cebull HL, Rayz VL, Goergen CJ. Recent Advances in Biomechanical Characterization of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:75. [PMID: 32478096 PMCID: PMC7235347 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a focal enlargement of the thoracic aorta, but the etiology of this disease is not fully understood. Previous work suggests that various genetic syndromes, congenital defects such as bicuspid aortic valve, hypertension, and age are associated with TAA formation. Though occurrence of TAAs is rare, they can be life-threatening when dissection or rupture occurs. Prevention of these adverse events often requires surgical intervention through full aortic root replacement or implantation of endovascular stent grafts. Currently, aneurysm diameters and expansion rates are used to determine if intervention is warranted. Unfortunately, this approach oversimplifies the complex aortopathy. Improving treatment of TAAs will likely require an increased understanding of the biological and biomechanical factors contributing to the disease. Past studies have substantially contributed to our knowledge of TAAs using various ex vivo, in vivo, and computational methods to biomechanically characterize the thoracic aorta. However, any singular approach typically focuses on only material properties of the aortic wall, intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics, or in vivo vessel dynamics, neglecting combinatorial factors that influence aneurysm development and progression. In this review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of TAA causes, treatment, and progression, before discussing recent advances in biomechanical studies of TAAs and possible future directions. We identify the need for comprehensive approaches that combine multiple characterization methods to study the mechanisms contributing to focal weakening and rupture. We hope this summary and analysis will inspire future studies leading to improved prediction of thoracic aneurysm progression and rupture, improving patient diagnoses and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Cebull
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Vitaliy L Rayz
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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