Stress analysis in a layered aortic arch model under pulsatile blood flow

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Biomechanics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Aortic dissection and other cardiovascular diseases often occur in the aortic arch.
• Fluid-structure interactions are critical in cardiovascular system function.
• Mechanical stress analysis is vital for understanding vascular pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze stress distribution in a layered aortic arch model.
• To investigate the interaction between pulsatile blood flow and the aortic wall.

Main Methods:

• A 3D layered aortic arch model was created based on anatomical structure.
• Computational fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analyses were used to simulate blood flow and wall dynamics.

Main Results:

• Circumferential stress variations along the outer aortic arch wall correlate with pressure changes.
• Composite stress is highest at the ascending and top portions of the arch.
• Stress is greater in the media layer compared to the intima and adventitia.

Conclusions:

• Circumferential stress in the aortic wall is directly related to blood pressure.
• Elevated aortic wall stress may be a risk factor for aortic dissection.
• The numerical model can aid biomechanical analyses and study aortic dissection pathogenesis.