Characterizing 3-D geometry of mouse aortic arch using light stereo-microscopic imaging.

The vascular geometry may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis by modulating the local hemodynamics and mechanical stresses of the vessel wall. The mouse is now the most popular animal model to study cardiovascular disease. Here, we present a method to characterize the 3-D geometry of mouse aortic arches by casting and light stereo-microscopic imaging. After calibration of the stereo-microscopic imaging system, the 3-D axis of an aortic cast is reconstructed using two stereo images. Based on the analysis of this 3-D curve, a geometry-based definition of the arch segment is given, and some geometric features, including curvature, torsion, and symmetry, have been derived. Casts from a C57BL6 and a SVEV mouse have been processed. This method will be used to detect the geometric difference of the aortic arch among different mouse strains.