Characterisation of spatiotemporal aortic flow and aortic wall biomechanics in coarctation.

Heba Aguib,Ryo Torii,Magdi Yacoub,Soha Romeih

doi:10.5339/gcsp.2015.45

Abstract

Characterisation of spatiotemporal aortic flow and aortic wall biomechanics in coarctation.

Highlights

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offers an opportunity to study both the fluid dynamics as well as its potential impact on the physiology of the aortic wall5,6,. It allows quantification of flow, vortex formation, pressure gradients, wall shear stress (WSS) and other relevant parameters starting from the aortic valve through the coarcted area downstream towards the distal descending aorta, based on patient-specific 3D anatomical models of the aorta and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) flow acquisition
Another interesting study on the use of CFD to calculate cardiac workload and hemodynamic behaviour in different types of aortic arch obstruction was presented by Coogan et al.[8]
DIRECTIONS In conclusion, in vivo assessment using advanced imaging techniques followed by computerized aortic flow and wall biomechanics modelling is extremely valuable for the management of arch coarctation patients in several ways: (1) the depiction and quantification of pre- and post-operative flow patterns and (2) predicting the new post-repair shape of the aorta provide deeper insight into main causes of post-operative complications, such as aortic aneurysm or recoarctation

Summary

Introduction

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offers an opportunity to study both the fluid dynamics as well as its potential impact on the (patho-) physiology of the aortic wall[5,6], (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). Advances in modern imaging techniques, coupled with detailed computerized analysis, offer new opportunities to evaluate in vivo the mechano-biology of the arterial wall and the factors which could influence it, such as the spatiotemporal pattern of flow. It allows quantification of flow, vortex formation, pressure gradients, wall shear stress (WSS) and other relevant parameters starting from the aortic valve through the coarcted area downstream towards the distal descending aorta, based on patient-specific 3D anatomical models of the aorta and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) flow acquisition.

Results

Conclusion