Idealized Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Geometry as Predictor of Hemodynamics Stresses

Abstract

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a localized, progressive and permanent dilation of the aortic wall. Usually are thought to be the end results of irreversible pathological remodelling of the arterial connective tissue, which causes changes, over time, in AAA geometry, in the constitutive formulation an in the failure criterion. Simple geometric parameters, those obtained directly from the computed tomography CT, can define the AAA from a geometrical point of view. It is well documented that aneurysm shape, defined by means of appropriate relations between simple parameters which are known as Geometric BioDeterminants (GBDs) [1], has strong influence on flow patterns and consequently on wall stress distribution (peak values and locations). Therefore, it has been recognized that the AAA morphology has a significant influence in its rupture potential. Aim of this study was to characterize the influence of the main geometric parameters of the AAA (simple and GBDs) in the hemodynamic stresses (Wall Shear Stress-WSS and Hemodynamic Pressure-HP) acting on intimal layer