Research - Goal

Aim 1
To develop a finite element growth and remodeling model of thrombus-laden fusiform aneurysm from the moment of initiation. Although the majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms are saccular, basilar aneurysms are typically more fusiform. Three layers of aortic wall, i.e. tunica intima, media, and adventitia, as well as heterogenic, layered, biochemomechanically active intraluminal thrombus will be considered. We will employ a rule-of-mixtures relation for the stress response and a constrained mixture theory for the turnover of constituents in a stressed configuration. Finite element method will allow us to address changes in axial direction.

Aim 2
To develop a 3-D finite element growth and remodeling model of thrombus-laden saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm from the healthy aorta. AAA growth is limited on posterior side by spine, which means it does not dilate equally in all directions, consequentially leading to eccentric intraluminal thrombus. This means that additionally to axial changes we need to know circumferential changes as well, e.g., difference in ILT composition, biological activity and thickness in frontal and part close to spine.

Aim 3
To test different hypothesis on AAA rupture and stabilization on realistic geometry. Rupture risk factors proposed by other researches, as well as some ours, will be investigated. Successful realization of these aims will advance the field of vascular mechanics by allowing for the first time quantification of kinetics of intraluminal clot within AAA, and factors that significantly influence aneurysmal growth and risk of the rupture.