Noninvasive Assessment of Aortic Biomechanics using 4D Flow MRI in a Porcine Model of Aortic Coarctation

Motivation: Aortic coarctation (COA) is a congenital heart disease that induces harmful structural cardiovascular changes. Operations to address COA have varying outcomes, leaving uncertainty as to whether maladaptive processes can be altered. Despite repair, patients have an increased risk of early cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Goal(s): To utilize 4D Flow MRI to monitor and study the vascular biomechanics of aortic coarctation in a porcine modelApproach: In this pilot study, a porcine model of aortic coarctation was developed and underwent serial 4D flow MRI scans. Results: Treatment did not significantly alter quantitative metrics of aortic flow, velocity or collateralizationImpact: 4D Flow MRI provides a non-invasive method to evaluate a novel porcine model of aortic coarctation with resultant functional metrics that provide insight into the significant early remodeling and lack of early treatment efficacy in this patient population.