Dissection and 3D reconstruction of healthy and aneurysmal human ascending thoracic aorta

2010

Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) is among the most devastating forms of cardiovascular disease, causing a significant mortality despite current medical and surgical treatments [1]. This form of disease is a predisposing factor for spontaneous aortic dissection which in general results in the initiation of an intimal flap and its propagation due to blood flow. Since aortic dissection fails by separation of the elastic layers [2], the delamination strength of ATAA tissues was investigated by designing and performing mechanical tests that simulate the in-vivo tearing condition of the aortic wall. Specifically, the delamination tests were carried out on nonaneurysmal and aneurysmal hum…