J Tong1, T Cohnert, P Regitnig, G A Holzapfel. 1. Graz University of Technology, Institute of Biomechanics, Center of Biomedical Engineering, Kronesgasse 5-I, 8010 Graz, Austria.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The intraluminal thrombus (ILT) present in the majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) plays an important role in aneurysm wall weakening. Studying the age-dependent elastic properties of the ILT and the thrombus-covered wall provides a better understanding of the potential effect of ILT on AAA remodelling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 AAA samples (mean age 67 ± 6 years) including ILT and AAA wall was harvested. Biaxial extension tests on the three individual ILT layers and the thrombus-covered wall were performed. Histological investigations of the thrombi were performed to determine four different age phases, and to correlate with the change in the mechanical properties. A three-dimensional material model was fitted to the experimental data. RESULTS: The luminal layers of the ILT exhibit anisotropic stress responses, whereas the medial and the abluminal layers are isotropic materials. The stresses at failure in the equibiaxial protocol continuously decrease from the luminal to the abluminal side, whereby cracks, mainly oriented along the longitudinal direction, can be observed in the ruptured luminal layers. The thrombi in the third and fourth phases contribute to wall weakening and to an increase of the mechanical anisotropy of their covered walls. The material models for the thrombi and the thrombus-covered walls are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that thrombus age might be a potential predictor for the strength of the wall underneath the ILT and AAA rupture.
OBJECTIVE: The intraluminal thrombus (ILT) present in the majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) plays an important role in aneurysm wall weakening. Studying the age-dependent elastic properties of the ILT and the thrombus-covered wall provides a better understanding of the potential effect of ILT on AAA remodelling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 AAA samples (mean age 67 ± 6 years) including ILT and AAA wall was harvested. Biaxial extension tests on the three individual ILT layers and the thrombus-covered wall were performed. Histological investigations of the thrombi were performed to determine four different age phases, and to correlate with the change in the mechanical properties. A three-dimensional material model was fitted to the experimental data. RESULTS: The luminal layers of the ILT exhibit anisotropic stress responses, whereas the medial and the abluminal layers are isotropic materials. The stresses at failure in the equibiaxial protocol continuously decrease from the luminal to the abluminal side, whereby cracks, mainly oriented along the longitudinal direction, can be observed in the ruptured luminal layers. The thrombi in the third and fourth phases contribute to wall weakening and to an increase of the mechanical anisotropy of their covered walls. The material models for the thrombi and the thrombus-covered walls are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that thrombus age might be a potential predictor for the strength of the wall underneath the ILT and AAA rupture.
Authors: Justyna A Niestrawska; Christian Viertler; Peter Regitnig; Tina U Cohnert; Gerhard Sommer; Gerhard A Holzapfel Journal: J R Soc Interface Date: 2016-11 Impact factor: 4.118
Authors: Eric K Shang; Derek P Nathan; Shanna R Sprinkle; Sarah C Vigmostad; Ronald M Fairman; Joseph E Bavaria; Robert C Gorman; Joseph H Gorman; Krishnan B Chandran; Benjamin M Jackson Journal: Ann Thorac Surg Date: 2012-12-13 Impact factor: 4.330
Authors: Gerhard Sommer; Selda Sherifova; Peter J Oberwalder; Otto E Dapunt; Patricia A Ursomanno; Abe DeAnda; Boyce E Griffith; Gerhard A Holzapfel Journal: J Biomech Date: 2016-02-26 Impact factor: 2.712