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An in vitro Experimental Model for Investigating Aortic Pressure Dynamics Under Blunt Thoracic Impacts
Ghassan Maraouch1,2, Curtis Horton3,2, Joseph Fanaberia3,2
1Department of Mechanical Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Building West, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Blunt traumatic aortic rupture (BTAR) is a severe injury. A new human-thorax surrogate model for in-vitro testing revealed thoracic impacts cause significant aortic pressure changes, aiding understanding of rupture mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Cardiovascular Research
- Trauma Engineering
Background:
- Blunt traumatic aortic rupture (BTAR) is a critical injury from high-impact events.
- Despite safety advancements, BTAR has high mortality, and its mechanisms are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel human-thorax surrogate for in-vitro crash testing.
- To investigate the fluid mechanics and pressure responses in the aorta during thoracic impact.
Main Methods:
- A human-thorax surrogate was created with a pulsatile heart pump, silicone aorta, 3D-printed rib cage, and ballistic gel.
- The mock circulatory loop was validated for physiological pressure and flow.
- Standardized pendulum impacts were applied to the sternum at varying kinetic energy levels, recording aortic pressure waveforms.
Main Results:
- Thoracic impacts induced sharp, transient changes in aortic pressure.
- Higher impact energy levels resulted in greater pressure alterations.
- A peak aortic pressure of 287.01 mmHg was recorded at severe impact levels.
Conclusions:
- The developed surrogate provides a reproducible and physiologically relevant platform for studying BTAR.
- The findings offer insights into the mechanisms of aortic rupture during thoracic trauma.
- This research may inform the development of improved prevention and protection strategies for BTAR.
