Changes of Biomechanics-Based Indices for Patient-Specific Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Over Time

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is the 13th leading cause of death in the US. Clinicians attempt to avoid rupture by performing elective repair. Since AAAs are often times asymptomatic, impending AAA rupture can be without warning. Additionally, patients with AAA are often elderly or have co-morbid conditions. Therefore, the treatment of AAA patients presents a dilemma for the surgeon: surgery should only be recommended when the risk of rupture of the AAA outweighs the risks associated with the interventional procedure.