Understanding hemodynamics and its determinant factors in type B aortic dissections using an equivalent lumped model

Abstract

Despite successful initial treatment during the acute phase of aortic dissections, long-term morbidity and mortality of type B aortic dissections is still a clinical challenge. Therefore, the importance of the assessment and understanding of potential variables involved in their long-term outcome, such as flow patterns and pressure profiles in false and true lumen and across tears. Hence, we developed an equivalent electric 0D model mimicking a type B aortic dissection. The model was calibrated and validated using in-vitro experimental data from a pulsatile flow circuit. We assessed the variation of pressure profiles in the lumina and flow patterns across the tears as a function of changes in tear size and wall compliance. We found a good concordance between the in-vitro experiments and the predictions from the lumped model. Therefore, a 0D model of aortic dissection is feasible and offers potential to study pressures and flow pattern alterations in clinical conditions. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.