Novel multi-dimensional modelling for surgical planning of acute aortic dissection type A based on computed tomography scan

OBJECTIVES: Acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate surgical intervention. We propose a novel finite element multi-dimensional modelling (FE-MDM) technique to identify aortic tears preoperatively to aid surgical preplanning. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with TAAD were included in this retrospective study. Computed tomography (CT) scans were imported using the segmentation software and reconstruction resulted in modelling of single TAAD components: aortic wall, false lumen, true lumen, gap in the flap and blood in both lumens. CT scans were processed by interpreters who were blinded to the clinical data and then were compared with operative findings. The models were assessed and compared regarding localization and size of the entry tear with the intraoperative findings. Image set data were retrieved from CT scans. RESULTS: Surgical inspection confirmed the localization of the tear obtained by the model in all patients with a 100% chance prediction (P <0.0001) in all patients. With the simulation of the guided-cannulation, it was possible to place the cannula in the ascending aorta in 100% of patients (P <0.0001 vs surgery). Using the virtual volume model, the chance of inserting into the false lumen was 0% (P <0.0001). There was a strong correlation between the virtual volume model and cannulation in the true lumen (r = 0.88, P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The FE-MDM technique of aortic dissection is helpful in identifying the site of the tear and may be considered as an additional tool in surgical preplanning. It may also enhance the efficiency of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in patients with single entry sites in the ascending aorta and it may facilitate direct cannulation of the ascending aorta.