The Use of Multidimensional Modeling of the Aorta in Planning the Resection of an Aortic Angiosarcoma

Abstract

We report a technique of finite-element multidimensional modeling that was used to help with the planning of and the resection of an angiosarcoma in a single patient. A patient was referred to our department with suspected aortic angiosarcoma. We visualized and reconstructed the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of this patient to create finite-element multidimensional models of his diseased aorta. This technique and the multidimensional models were very helpful in assessing the tumor size and its extension. It also facilitated preoperative planning of the aortic resection and repair. Finite-element multidimensional modeling is a useful technique for preoperative planning of aortic operations in patients with angiosarcoma.