A Coupled Experimental and Computational Approach to Quantify Deleterious Hemodynamics, Vascular Alterations, and Mechanisms of Long-Term Morbidity in Response to Aortic Coarctati

Authors

Arjun Menon, Marquette UniversityFollow
David C. Wendell, Marquette University
Hongfeng Wang, Marquette UniversityFollow
Thomas J. Eddinger, Marquette UniversityFollow
Jeffrey M. Toth, Marquette UniversityFollow
Ronak Jashwant Dholakia, Stony Brook University
Paul M. Larsen, Tulane University of Louisiana
Eric S. Jensen, Medical College of Wisconsin
John F. LaDisa, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

1-2012

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods

Source ISSN

1056-8719

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2011.10.003

Abstract

Introduction

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is associated with morbidity despite treatment. Although mechanisms remain elusive, abnormal hemodynamics and vascular biomechanics are implicated. We present a novel approach that facilitates quantification of coarctation-induced mechanical alterations and their impact on vascular structure and function, without genetic or confounding factors.

Methods

Rabbits underwent thoracic CoA at 10 weeks of age (~ 9 human years) to induce a 20 mm Hg blood pressure (BP) gradient using permanent or dissolvable suture thereby replicating untreated and corrected CoA. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was performed using imaging and BP data at 32 weeks to quantify velocity, strain and wall shear stress (WSS) for comparison to vascular structure and function as revealed by histology and myograph results.

Results

Systolic and mean BP was elevated in CoA compared to corrected and control rabbits leading to vascular thickening, disorganization and endothelial dysfunction proximally and distally. Corrected rabbits had less severe medial thickening, endothelial dysfunction, and stiffening limited to the proximal region despite 12 weeks of normal BP (~ 4 human years) after the suture dissolved. WSS was elevated distally for CoA rabbits, but reduced for corrected rabbits.

Discussion

These findings are consistent with alterations in humans. We are now poised to investigate mechanical contributions to mechanisms of morbidity in CoA using these methods.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods, Vol. 65, No.1 (January-February 2012):18-28. DOI. © 2012 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Menon, Arjun; Wendell, David C.; Wang, Hongfeng; Eddinger, Thomas J.; Toth, Jeffrey M.; Dholakia, Ronak Jashwant; Larsen, Paul M.; Jensen, Eric S.; and LaDisa, John F., "A Coupled Experimental and Computational Approach to Quantify Deleterious Hemodynamics, Vascular Alterations, and Mechanisms of Long-Term Morbidity in Response to Aortic Coarctati" (2012). Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications. 34.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bioengin_fac/34