Currently, aortic aneurysm rupture potential is primarily evaluated based on the aneurysm diameter;however, the overall aneurysm diameter has been shown to be an unreliable predictor of aneurysm rupture. Specific aneurysm geometry and aortic tissue properties can have a profound effect on the vessel wall stress for each individual patient;therefore, it is critical to consider the patient-specific aortic root and ascending aorta geometry and elastic properties to accurately assess the risk of aneurysm rupture. Therefore, my goal in this study is to utilize clinical diagnostic 64-slice CT images, coupled with experimentally derived aneurismal tissue properties, to develop patient-specific finite element models for the analysis of ascending aortic aneurysm in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients. To accomplish this goal, I will study and compare healthy tricuspid valve patients with no aortic aneurysm and BAV patients with aortic aneurysm. Specifically, I will perform 1) Modeling of patient-specific aortic geometries using statistical shape models;2) Integration of patient-specific aortic tissue properties with their geometries in the development of patient-specific finite element models of the aortic root and the ascending aorta;and 3) Analysis of vessel wall stress and aneurysm rupture potential and elicitation of a more reliable predictor than the current size criterion. This research training fellowship will provide me with the unique opportunity to learn the interdisciplinary knowledge of cardiovascular disease and its treatment using engineering tools. Throughout this training, I will work closely with my sponsor Dr. Wei Sun, an expert in the field of cardiovascular biomechanics, my co-sponsor, Dr. James Duncan, an expert in the field of medical image analysis, and my cosponsor, Dr. John Elefteriades, a renowned cardiac surgeon and expert on aortic aneurysms. I will learn how to apply imaging analysis techniques, engineering mechanics principles, and computational sciences to analyze aortic biomechanics. I will also be trained on the process of the design, implementation, and evaluation of biomedical research. Completion of this training fellowship will be a vital stepping stone in my journey to become an independent researcher in the field of cardiovascular biomechanics.

Public Health Relevance

Bicuspid aortic valve is a common variant of the normal three-leaflet aortic valve, and patients with this condition are prone to developing aneurysms in the ascending aorta. This study is aimed to define the correlation between bicuspid valve anatomy and aortic aneurysm development by utilizing clinical computed tomography scans and experimentally derived tissue properties to develop patient-specific finite element models for the biomechanical analysis of aneurysms in these patients.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31HL112632-02
Application #
8412831
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F15-P (20))
Program Officer
Meadows, Tawanna
Project Start
2012-01-06
Project End
2014-01-05
Budget Start
2013-01-06
Budget End
2014-01-05
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$34,409
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Connecticut
Department
Engineering (All Types)
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
614209054
City
Storrs-Mansfield
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06269
Martin, Caitlin; Sun, Wei (2017) Transcatheter Valve Underexpansion Limits Leaflet Durability: Implications for Valve-in-Valve Procedures. Ann Biomed Eng 45:394-404
Martin, Caitlin; Sun, Wei (2015) Comparison of transcatheter aortic valve and surgical bioprosthetic valve durability: A fatigue simulation study. J Biomech 48:3026-34
Martin, Caitlin; Sun, Wei; Elefteriades, John (2015) Patient-specific finite element analysis of ascending aorta aneurysms. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 308:H1306-16
Martin, Caitlin; Sun, Wei (2015) Fatigue damage of collagenous tissues: experiment, modeling and simulation studies. J Long Term Eff Med Implants 25:55-73
Martin, Caitlin; Sun, Wei (2014) Simulation of long-term fatigue damage in bioprosthetic heart valves: effects of leaflet and stent elastic properties. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 13:759-70
Martin, Caitlin; Sun, Wei; Primiano, Charles et al. (2013) Age-dependent ascending aorta mechanics assessed through multiphase CT. Ann Biomed Eng 41:2565-74
Martin, Caitlin; Sun, Wei; Pham, Thuy et al. (2013) Predictive biomechanical analysis of ascending aortic aneurysm rupture potential. Acta Biomater 9:9392-400
Pham, T; Martin, C; Elefteriades, J et al. (2013) Biomechanical characterization of ascending aortic aneurysm with concomitant bicuspid aortic valve and bovine aortic arch. Acta Biomater 9:7927-36