Patient specific wall stress analysis and mechanical characterization of abdominal aortic aneurysms using 4D ultrasound

Wall stress analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) using 4D ultrasound (US) is a promising technique to improve rupture risk stratification. This study shows similar wall stress results as reported with other image modalities, now for the entire diameter range. Besides wall stresses, 4D-US offers the opportunity to determine patient specific material properties simultaneously. After calibrating the finite element model to the 4D-US wall motion, larger AAAs reveal stiffer material behavior than the smaller AAAs. This methodology enables longitudinal studies on rupture risk and growth by monitoring patient specific wall stresses and material properties.