Development and testing of a silicone in vitro model of descending aortic dissection

BackgroundStanford type B dissection of the descending aorta is a potentially fatal condition that is poorly understood. Limited scientific understanding of the role of current interventional techniques, as well as heterogeneity in the condition, contributes to lack of consensus as to the most effective treatment strategy. This study introduces an anatomically accurate model for investigating aortic dissection in a laboratory setting.Materials and methodsA silicone model was fabricated and filled with fluid to mimic human blood. Flow was established, and the model was scanned using a four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging protocol. On analysis, luminal flow rates were quantified by multiplying local velocity by included area.ResultsThe upstream total flow was compared with the sum of the flow in the true and false lumens. The two values were within the margin of error. Furthermore, flow rates matched with the relative areas of each compartment.ConclusionsThese results validate our model as a novel and unique system that mimics a type B aortic dissection and will allow for more sophisticated analysis of dissection physiology in future studies.