A Novel Framework on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Analysis Based on Biomedical Simulation Tools

Abstract

Nowadays, the mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases is significant due to noticed critical aneurysm cases. Abnormal swelling at the aorta causes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). They are usually saccular, fusiform according to their shape statistics. Hence it’s better to analyze, segment and model them to aid physicians/surgeons in various aspects of nonsurgical and surgical treatments. Morphological study provides approximate dimensions and risk of rupture. The objective of this work is to provide an extensive study on AAA segmentation, modeling and analysis with individual frameworks in sequence using tools like MATrix LABoratory (MATLAB), Materialise's Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS), 3-matic and Finite Element Biomechanics (FEBio). The ultimate goal is to develop a 3D printed aneurysm replica for further evaluation and analysis using Ultimaker Cura Slicer Software. MATLAB is used to segment the Aorta irrespective of intensity/contrast inhomogeneities using Solidity feature. MIMICS software is used for modeling the aneurysms using three types of Axial, Coronal, and Saggital views. 3-matic provides an easy interface to do the dimensional analysis using imported aneurysm morphology. FEBio with PreView, PostView plugins is a nonlinear finite element solver which offers a chance to study it and to predict the future regions of rupture to some extent via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) features. 3D printing of aneurysm offers the flexibility of knowing their epithelial characteristics and hands-on experience. The main merit of this novel and efficient framework is non-invasive studies of Aneurysm Segmentation, Analysis, and Modeling using five tools which addresses the complete study of AAA.