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Fluid-structure interaction project: Stented abdomainal aortic aneurysms

Realistic simulations of fluid-structure interactions in (stented) AAAs are important for AAA-rupture prediction, optimal stent-graft placement, new stent-graft designs, and quantitative Endo-vascular Aortic Repair (EVAR) recommendations.

Coupled CFX-ANSYS simulations of stented abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs):
Rupture predication for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Effects of stent-graft placement to restore “normal” blood flow.
Stent migration, endoleaks and other problems in stent-graft applications

Example of Fluid-Structure Interactions: Insertion of a stent-graft into an aneurysm (which is the ballooning of a weakened artery segment) protects the aneurysm wall from high-pressure, pulsatile blood flow. Specifically, the pressure level in the aneurysm cavity drops by a factor of almost 10 and the maximum wall stress can be reduced by a factor of 20. Stented aneurysm simulation and analysis require the solution of coupled transient nonlinear fluid flow and solid structure equations to visualize the blood flow field interacting with the elastic stent-graft which, in turn, influences the stagnant blood in the aneurysm cavity, which transmits pressure waves to the distensible aneurysm wall. The experimentally validated results of the transient 3-D computer simulation model provide physical insight and quantitative recommendations for both endovascular surgeons for optimal stent-graft placement and implant manufacturers for improved stent-graft designs.

Source: C Kleinstreuer & Zhonghua Li, MAE Department at NC State University, Raleigh , NC
( web site )

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