A Relation Between Particle Hemodynamics and Intraluminal Thrombus Formation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are local dilations of the aorta below the renal arteries where the lumen diameter is ≥ 1.5 times the normal diameter of the healthy blood vessel. Ruptured aneurysms are the 13th leading cause of death in the US [1]. In approximately 75% of all AAAs, a particle-deposition layer forms adjacent to the arterial wall within the lumen called the intra-luminal thrombus (ILT). The thrombus composition has been shown to be a fibrin structure composed of blood cells, platelets, blood proteins, and other cellular debris [2]. Additionally, Yamazumi et al. [3] have presented data that suggest AAA morphology is associated with an elevated state of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis within the aneurysm.