| Summary: | Background: Type-B aortic dissections (TBADs) show a high morbidity and mortality in the long-term follow up. The role of and interaction between haemodynamics (pressure and flows), mechanics (wall compliance) and morphology (communication between false lumen (FL) and true lumen (TL)) is poorly understood, as well as the potential role of these variables in the outcome of TBADs.
Materials and methods: We developed both a hydraulic bench (experimental) and an electrical analogue model of a TBAD (Fig. 1). The model was calibrated and validated for eight experimental cases consisting of various permutations of proximal and distal tear sizes (no tear, 4 and 10 mm).
Results: The computer model was able to reproduce measured intraluminal pressures and velocities across tears with good agreement for all combinations (Fig. 2). Tear size is the major determinant of interaction between FL and TL. Tear sizes of 4 mm are associated with a reduced pressure in the FL, and strong oscillatory flow exchange between TL and FL. A tear size of 10 mm increases FL pressure to the same level or beyond TL pressures, and reduces the oscillatory nature of the flow.
Conclusions: Both the experimental and computer model reveal a complex dynamic interaction between TL and FL, modulated by the size and combination of the tears.
Figure 1Electrical analogue model of a type-B aortic dissection
Figure 2Comparison between predicted and experimental intraluminal pressures and velocities across tear
|
|---|
