Webinar – Modelling Artery Tissue Damage occurring during Balloon Angioplasty

Typical risks associated with the use of balloon angioplasty intervention is the perforation or dissection of arterial tissue. The objective of this presentation is to demonstrate a possible approach to model complex tissue mechanics including damage and complete failure leading to local tissue rupture during that procedure.

Artery tissue damage modeling in Abaqus

The non-linear mechanical behavior of artery tissue can be modelled elegantly with the Abaqus built-in Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden form, which lacks unfortunately a damage model. Therefore, a discrete composite material model was developed using a Neo-Hookean solid matrix and multiple rebar layers of uniaxial fibers (rebars as element property). The material models for the tissue components were both implemented via VUMAT subroutines to allow effective communication between them (via VUSDFLD subroutine). The fiber material model accounted for different mechanical behavior under compression and tension, while damage was included for the tensile domain.

Expanding PTCA balloon and atherosclerotic lesion of an artery interaction

The developed tissue model was then used in a model to simulate the interaction between an expanding PTCA balloon and atherosclerotic lesion of an artery. The three-dimensional model was developed in close resemblance to the study of Gasser et al. (2007). Additionally to the tissue damage, also tissue dissection was incorporated by means of cohesive behavior/damage between anatomical artery regions.

Human tissue calibration

Material properties were determined based on available literature data and best-fit optimization (Isight).
Though substantial effort is needed for the model preparation, the developed material model and modelling approach provides suitable means to study this clinically relevant topic.

4RealSim Simulation Services for the life science industry

4RealSim has extensive experience in life science simulations. Our engineers can help you get started with the simulation and can support the implementation of Abaqus products within your life science organization.

Abaqus for the life science industry

The SIMULIA product suite contains a wide variety of materials, procedures and load types to simulate the human body, medical and surgical equipment, and the manner in which the equipment is used. Abaqus has been used to simulate implanted devices (stents, artificial heart valves, dental implants), orthopedics (artificial knees, hips), brain injury due to head impact damage, tissue modeling, mechanics of feet, and portable devices for blood monitoring, among other applications. Abaqus results have been used in PMA and 510-K submissions required by the US FDA and have similarly been used to obtain CE mark approval in Europe.

Intended for?

– Product development engineer active in the life science industry
– Preclinical / Clinical
– Regulatory

Type of event

Online webinar