3D RECONSTRUCTION OF PATIENT-SPECIFIC ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS: FROM CT SCAN TO SILICONE MODEL

摘要

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a local, permanent, irreversible dilation of the infrarenal section of the aorta that risks rupture until treated. AAA is defined as an infrarenal diameter 1.5 times the normal diameter. Currently, surgeons intervene when the aneurysm reaches a maximum diameter of 50 mm [1]. 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the US, with 500,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide [2]. This results in 15,000 deaths each year from AAA rupture in the US alone [3], with 8,000 deaths per year in the UK [4]. Literature supports the theory that small aneurysms may be as likely to rupture as larger aneurysms [5-7], and therefore, the need for a more reliable predictor of AAA rupture may have clinical importance. Geometrically correct 3D reconstruction of AAAs has become commonplace in the stress analysis of these aneurysms. The purpose of this paper is to show the creation process from patient-specific computed tomography (CT) scans to a patient-specific silicone model. These patient-specific AAA models can then be utilised with various experimental techniques, such as, stress analyses using the photoelastic method [8], fluid dynamic studies, post-operative stent graft distraction testing, and also experimental rupture studies.