Geometry of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and the Intraluminal Thrombus From 3D Image Reconstruction Using Active Contours

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant disease in the United States, and an intraluminal thrombus (ILT) develops in the majority of AAAs. Rupture prediction of AAA has been performed on patient specific models based on reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) images. The ILT alters stress distribution in the AAA wall [1], and ILT growth and thickness are correlated to rupture risk [2, 3]. Drug treatment of AAA is under investigation by several groups [4]. It is also known that the wall covered by the ILT is weaker than other areas [1]. If local drug delivery through the lumen is to be achieved, the barriers for transport through the ILT must be investigated. Patient specific geometries of the ILT would be necessary for such analysis.