Finite Element Modeling of Cerebral Angioplasty Using a Multi-Mechanism Structural Damage Model

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) can lead to vascular damage when used to treat atherosclerotic obstructions and vasospasm in cerebral vessels [1–3]. In a controlled study of angioplasty in normal arteries of mongrel dogs, changes to the arterial wall due to over inflation were studied at two dilation levels (24%,50%) [4]. Damage to the wall was progressive — increasing with inflation level. At 25% inflation, localized fractures and stretching of the internal elastic lamina (IEL) were observed. Damage to the media was limited to the inner one-third of the wall. At 50% inflation, further radial damage was seen including extensive damage to the IEL, dissection of the media, distorted SMC and disorganized collagen fibers. At six months, the media exhibited signs of repair such as increased collagen content while the IEL showed no recovery.