Finite Element Analysis of Ascending Thoracic Aorta

Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms affect roughly 15,000 people per year in the United States. If left untreated, the aneurysm will rupture, which is deadly and costly to surgically repair. Unfortunately, current medical guidelines cannot accurately determine when these aneurysms are at highest risk for rupture. Hence, new tools are needed to predict when surgical intervention is most warranted. For this study, I have been given several CT scans of patients whose aortas ruptured at a known location. Using ABAQUS CAE's robust finite element analysis program, I map the stress throughout the aorta under simulated loading conditions. Then, I match the location of highest stress to the site of rupture. Validation of this technique can give clinicians a more accurate tool for determining rupture risk, potentially saving countless lives. I am conducting this study as part of the Swanson School of Engineering 2017 Summer Internship.