An in vitro phantom study on the influence of tear size and configuration on the hemodynamics of the lumina in chronic type B aortic dissections

Therapeutic decision making in chronic aortic dissection is mainly based on maximum total aortic diameter, while it was shown that diameter alone is not a reliable determinant of rupture and progression. Recent findings in patients have demonstrated the influence of tear size on the chronic evolution. Our approach complements these findings and makes it possible to understand the hemodynamic changes that are involved in tears of different sizes, both with regard to pressures and flows. Helping to understand these changes will provide more insight into determining what the exact clinical factors are that should be looked at during the follow-up of patients.