An automatic tool for thoracic aorta segmentation and 3D geometric analysis

The present study aims at expanding the knowledge in the field of stent-graft behaviour in patients affected by thoracic aortic pathologies, imaged before and after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with a 4D computed tomographic (CT) angiography that allows time-resolved image visualisation. We therefore developed an automatic tool to track the changes in distensibility and elongation experienced by the aorta during the cardiac cycle. The tool permitted to lower the work-load and the variability during the measurements acquisition. Analysis of geometric quantities leaded to some interesting findings; a major observation concerns the fact that the thoracic aorta experiences high aortic changes in both distensibility and elongation. Distensibility was preserved or increased after TEVAR. Elongation was not preserved after TEVAR in the segments covered with the stent-graft, it instead increased in the segments proximal to the stent-graft. Additional studies need to be addressed.