title: In vitro evaluation of the effects of intraluminal thrombus on abdominal aortic aneurysm wall dynamics.
abstract: The optimum time to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) still remains an uncertain issue. The decision to intervene does not take in account the effects that wall curvature, intraluminal thrombus (ILT) properties and thickness have on rupture. The role of ILT in aneurysm dynamics and rupture has been controversial. In vitro testing of four silicone AAA models incorporating the ILT and aortic bifurcation was studied under physiological conditions. Pressures (P) and diameters (D) were analysed for models with and without ILT at different locations. The diametral strain, compliance and P/D curves were influenced by the presence, elastic stiffness and thickness of the ILT. In this case, the inclusion of ILT reduced the lumen area by 77% that resulted in a 0.5-81% reduction in compliance depending on ILT properties. With an increase in ILT stiffness from 0.05 to 0.2 MPa, the compliance was reduced by 81%. In the region of maximum diameter, there was a reduction of diametral strain and compliance except for the softer ILT which was more compliant throughout the proximal region. The shifting of the maximum diametral strain and compliance to the proximal neck was pronounced by an increase in ILT stiffness, thus creating a possible rupture site.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Galway Medical Technologies Centre (GMedTech), Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland. FloriEne.GMedTech@gmail.com
authors.forename: Florentina
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ene
authors.forename: Carine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gachon
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Delassus
authors.forename: Ronan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stefanov
authors.forename: Padraig
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: O'Flynn
authors.forename: Liam
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D016011:Normal Distribution; D011312:Pressure; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000150:complications*