Peak wall stress does not necessarily predict the location of rupture in abdominal aortic aneurysms

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2010 Mar;39(3):302-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2009.11.021. Epub 2009 Dec 16.

Abstract

Using finite element analysis, we evaluated if the site of an aortic bleb, known to be prone to rupture, coincides with the location of peak wall stress (PWS) in a patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model.

Report: PWS was not located at the bleb site, even when stress values were estimated for different bleb wall thicknesses (0.5-2.0 mm) while the rest of the AAA wall was considered constant (2 mm).

Discussion: The sites of PWS in AAAs should not always be considered as the sites most prone to rupture since other factors, such as wall strength, may play a role in rupture-risk prediction, depicting the need for further investigation of these parameters.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aorta, Abdominal / pathology*
  • Aorta, Abdominal / surgery
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / complications*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / pathology
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery
  • Aortic Rupture / etiology*
  • Aortic Rupture / pathology
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures