Browsing by Author "Altamimi, Manal Nasser"

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    An Experimental Approach to Explore Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Rabbit Model
    (2017) Altamimi, Manal Nasser; Di Martino, Elena; Mitha, Alim; Shrive, Nigel; Appoo, Jehangir
    The diagnosis of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is currently made based on maximum diameter, which fails to accurately predict risks of rupture. The purpose of this study was to advance our understanding of AAA evolution using a rabbit model. AAAs were developed in rabbits using a periaortic incubation of CaCl2 and elastase. Rabbits were imaged using 3D angiography at 0 (healthy), 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Material properties and histological analyses were obtained for each stage. Results showed an increase in maximum diameter and wall thickness with aneurysmal tissue. The healthy aorta was stronger than all aneurysmal tissue. Tissue at 6 weeks had the stiffest and strongest properties compared to aneurysmal tissue. Elastin degradation and separation between wall layers was observed in all aneurysmal tissue with the highest collagen remodeling at 6 weeks. Because human aneurysms are diagnosed at an unknown time after initial formation, control animal experiments are necessary to understand the evolution of the mechanical and histological properties of the aortic tissue.