A 3D-Printed Rupture-Prone Aneurysm Model for Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Devices

Currently available in vitro benchtop aneurysm models often lack material characteristics for testing the efficacy of endovascular devices. Specifically, current models do not represent the mechanical instability of giant aneurysms and do not predictably rupture under simulated physiological conditions. Hence, in vitro aneurysm models with biomechanically relevant material properties and a predictable rupture timeframe are needed to accurately assess the efficacy of new medical device treatment options. A 3D-printed giant aneurysm model was developed that can predictably rupture in 2 h when left untreated under physiological conditions to test hemodynamic effects of endovascular treatments. Aneurysm treatment simulations included flow diverter-only treatment, flow diverter with synthetic thrombus treatment, and flow diverter with liquid embolic treatment, ran in parallel with untreated controls. The flow diverter only treatment ruptured in 47 (±41) min as compared to 54 (±30) min for controls (p value = 0.36). The flow diverter with synthetic thrombus treatment ruptured in 22 (±16) min as compared to 19 (±10) min for controls (p value = 0.71). The flow diverter with liquid embolic treatment ruptured in 61 (±27) min as compared to 35 (±17) min for controls (p value = 0.16). Utilizing physiological benchtop in vitro models, aneurysm rupture can be repeatedly predicted to test the efficacy of medical device treatments. Further studies will investigate the optimization of the engineered aneurysm dome defect with tunable rupture times based on the measurable pressure and flow effects. These optimized in vitro models could ultimately evaluate aneurysm rupture risk and location after treatment.