A Mock Circulation Loop for In Vitro Hemodynamic Evaluation of Aorta: Application in Aortic Dissection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Aortic dissection (AD) presents complex hemodynamic challenges, with insufficient understanding of its perfusion characteristics.
• Accurate in vitro models are crucial for studying AD hemodynamics and developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a mock circulation loop (MCL) integrated with patient-specific aortic phantoms for in vitro hemodynamic analysis of aortic dissection.
• To investigate the hemodynamic differences between normal and dissected aorta models under various physiological conditions.

Main Methods:

• A mock circulation loop (MCL) incorporating a Windkessel element and patient-specific silicone aortic phantoms was constructed.
• The MCL was configured to simulate normal resting and left-sided heart failure (LHF) conditions.
• Flow rates and pressures in aortic branches were quantified, with flow division ratios validated against healthy volunteer data.

Main Results:

• The validated MCL accurately reproduced normal aortic flow patterns (mean difference 2.4%±1.70%).
• Under resting conditions, the AD model exhibited elevated systolic (117.82±0.60 mmHg) and diastolic (72.38±0.58 mmHg) pressures compared to the normal model.
• In the AD model, true lumen (TL) velocity (36.95 cm/s) exceeded false lumen (FL) velocity (22.95 cm/s), with variable flow direction between lumens.

Conclusions:

• The developed MCL serves as a valuable research tool for in vitro hemodynamic analysis of aortic diseases.
• The study provides quantitative insights into the altered hemodynamic conditions associated with aortic dissection.
• This model facilitates further research into aortic diseases under diverse physiological scenarios.