The study understands the hemodynamic consequences of TEVAR by comparing vorticity profiles and wall shear stress (pre and post-operative) using CFD simulations.
The researchers studied CT scans of 20 patients treated for thoracic aortic problems. Eleven were treated for aneurysms, five for false aneurysms, one for traumatic aortic rupture, and three for penetrating ulcers. Using meshless code, they constructed patient-specific CFD models after segmenting the CT scans. The team ran those simulations over the cardiac cycle to measure vorticity and WSS values at distal and proximal landing zones.
The Vorticity and WSS profiles (at proximal) varied in 20 and 18 subjects, respectively. In fifteen subjects, it was present in Zone 0 to 3. There was an increase in WSS in 11 individuals and vorticity in 9 subjects. The post and pre-operative WSS median values were 4.90 and 4.19 pa, respectively. The Vorticity mean values were 39.17 and 40.38 Hz, respectively.
TEVAR-induced functional changes in the native thoracic aorta are common. However, the significance is unknown. CFD is a valuable tool for understanding aortic hemodynamics. This tool will help in assessing larger series, which would help in developing a predictive role for hemodynamic assessments in the future.
Ref URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1526602820959662
