Pig aortic vessels were processed by vacuum freeze-drying and then the aotic vessels were scanned and compared by CT, microscopic and texture analyzer. These processes presented a new method for preserving the vessels. Morphological changes of the vessels were tracked by Micro-CT, and mechanical properties were compared by texture analyzer combining with microscopic observation for structures and tissues. Results showed that the wall of the vessels became thinner by freeze-drying. After rehydration, the membrane structure was generally maintained, and the elastic fibers were more orderly arranged so that they were close to fresh vessels. In the area of mechanical property, the maximum puncture stress and axial tensile stress of rehydrated blood vessels were stronger than that of the fresh, while circumferential tensile stress was weaker than that of the fresh. Finally, analysis also showed that the freeze-dried vessel was basically remained the original morphological structure. The pores in vessel fiber and stratification during drying may be beneficial to the host cell invasion and angiogenesis, so it is expected to be a new effective means to save the blood vessels. Currently, four pigs have been transplanted with the rehydrated vessels, and all of the four have survived for more than 3 weeks.
Animals ; Aorta ; anatomy & histology ; Freeze Drying ; Swine ; anatomy & histology

Elastin is not only one of fundamental components of arterial wall but also an albuminoid substance related to diseases such as aortic dissecting aneurysm. Distributions of elastic fiber in arterial wall were measured using image processing in animal experiment. Statistical results show that the elastic fiber content in arterial wall decreases along the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aorta, but the axial distribution of elastic fiber in aortic arch is uniform. Furthermore, the axial distributions in four representative circumferential positions nearly exhibit no notable differences. Hence, the circumferential distribution of elastic fiber in arterial wall is uniform. On the contrary, the radial distribution of elastic fiber in arterial wall is non-uniform, and the elastic fiber content in the internal layer decreased distinctly, compared with that in the middle layer and the external layer. Therefore, the blood vessel can be reasonably simplified as 3-dimensional symmetrical composite material with segments in axial direction and layers in radial direction to a certain extent.
Algorithms ; Animals ; Aorta ; anatomy & histology ; metabolism ; Elastic Tissue ; anatomy & histology ; metabolism ; Image Enhancement ; methods ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Rabbits ; Tunica Media ; anatomy & histology ; metabolism

The presence of elastin layers in the aortic walls of twelve human fetuses was confirmed with scanning electron microscope pictures after hot alkali treatment and histochemical examination. In addition, the number of elastin layers in aortic walls of 5 different segments were compared in fetuses of varying ages. Aldehyde fuchsin stained slides of elastin ascending aortas showed a range between 27 and 55 layers of elastin in fetuses of 8 weeks to 32 weeks. However, in the lower abdominal aortas, elastin layers decreased from 28 to only 3 layers for fetuses of the same age. Furthermore, as elastin layers decreased from ascending aorta to abdominal aorta with the progression of fetal life, similar changes in the elastin lamellae were observed. These results suggest that while aortas grow rapidly in length, the medial elastin thickens slowly, perhaps due to slow development of hydrodynamic forces and pressures. Also the adventitial elastin appears to lose out gradually along the length from ascending aorta to abdominal aorta.
Aorta/*embryology/metabolism/ultrastructure ; Elastin/*metabolism ; Fetus/anatomy & histology/*metabolism/physiology ; Human

This study aims to explore the effect of aortic sinus diameter on aortic valve opening and closing performance in the case of no obvious disease of aortic valve and annulus and continuous dilation of aortic root. A total of 25 three-dimensional aortic root models with different aortic sinus and root diameters were constructed according to the size of clinical surgical guidance. The valve sinus diameter S is set to 32, 36, 40, 44 and 48 mm, respectively, and the aortic root diameter is set to 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 mm, respectively. Through the structural mechanics calculation with the finite element software, the maximum stress, valve orifice area, contact force and other parameters of the model are analyzed to evaluate the valve opening and closing performance under the dilated state. The study found that aortic valve stenosis occurs when the = 32 mm, = 26, 27 mm and = 36 mm, = 26 mm. Aortic regurgitation occurs when the = 32, 36 and 40 mm, = 30 mm and = 44, 48 mm, = 29, 30 mm. The other 15 models had normal valve movement. The results showed that the size of the aortic sinus affected the opening and closing performance of the aortic valve. The smaller sinus diameter adapted with the larger root diameter and the larger sinus diameter adapted with the smaller root diameter. When the sinus diameter is 40 mm, the mechanical performance of the valve are good and it can well adapt with the relatively large range of aortic root dilation.
Aorta ; anatomy & histology ; Aortic Valve ; physiology ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency ; physiopathology ; Aortic Valve Stenosis ; physiopathology ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of spinal and paraspinal anatomic markers in both the diagnosis of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTVs) and identification of vertebral levels on lumbar MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lumbar MRI from 1049 adult patients were studied. By comparing with the whole-spine localizer, the diagnostic errors in numbering vertebral segments on lumbar MRI were evaluated. The morphology of S1-2 disc, L5 and S1 body, and lumbar spinous processes (SPs) were evaluated by using sagittal MRI. The positions of right renal artery (RRA), superior mesenteric artery, aortic bifurcation (AB) and conus medullaris (CM) were described. RESULTS: The diagnostic error for evaluation of vertebral segmentation on lumbar MRI alone was 14.1%. In lumbarization, all patients revealed a well-formed S1-2 disc with squared S1 body. A rhombus-shaped L5 body in sacralization and a rectangular-shaped S1 body in lumbarization were found. The L3 had the longest SP. The most common sites of spinal and paraspinal structures were: RRA at L1 body (53.6%) and L1-2 disc (34.1%), superior mesenteric artery at L1 body (55.1%) and T12-L1 disc (31.6%), and AB at L4 body (71.1%). CM had variable locations, changing from the T12-L1 disc to L2 body. They were located at higher sacralization and lower lumbarization. CONCLUSION: The spinal morphologic features and locations of the spinal and paraspinal structures on lumbar MRI are not completely reliable for the diagnosis of LSTVs and identification on the vertebral levels.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anatomic Landmarks/*anatomy & histology ; Aorta, Abdominal/anatomy & histology ; Diagnostic Errors ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc/anatomy & histology ; Lumbar Vertebrae/*anatomy & histology ; Lumbosacral Region ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior/anatomy & histology ; Middle Aged ; Renal Artery/anatomy & histology ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sacrum/*anatomy & histology ; Spinal Cord/anatomy & histology ; Spine ; Young Adult

Due primarily to the increasing shortage of allogeneic donor organs, xenotransplantation has become the focus of a growing field of research. Currently, micropigs are the most suitable donor animal for humans. However, no standard method has been developed to evaluate the systemic vascular anatomy of micropigs and standard reference values to aid in the selection of normal healthy animals as potential organ donors are lacking. Using 64-channel multidetector row computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA), we evaluated morphological features of the major systemic vessels in micropigs and compared our results to published human data. The main vasculature of the animals was similar to that of humans, except for the iliac arterial system. However, diameters of the major systemic vessels were significantly different between micropigs and humans. Specifically, the diameter of the aortic arch, abdominal aorta, external iliac artery, and femoral artery, were measured as 1.50 +/- 0.07 cm, 0.85 +/- 0.06 cm, 0.52 +/- 0.05 cm, and 0.48 +/- 0.05 cm, respectively, in the micropigs. This MDCTA data for micropig major systemic vessels can be used as standard reference values for xenotransplantation studies. The use of 64-channel MDCTA enables accurate evaluation of the major systemic vasculature in micropigs.
Animals ; Aorta/*anatomy & histology ; Aortography/veterinary ; Femoral Artery/*anatomy & histology/radiography ; Humans ; Iliac Artery/*anatomy & histology/radiography ; Male ; Reference Values ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature/*anatomy & histology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods/*veterinary ; *Transplantation, Heterologous

The aortic arch gives rise to three classical branches, namely the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. We report a rare variation of the left common carotid artery and the right vertebral arteries originating from the brachiocephalic trunk, and the left vertebral artery that was arising from the arch of the aorta, proximal to the origin of the left subclavian artery. Variations in the branching pattern of the arch of aorta can alter the cerebral haemodynamics that leads to cerebral abnormalities. Knowledge of the variations in the classical branches of the arch of aorta is important in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm after subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Aorta, Thoracic ; abnormalities ; pathology ; Brachiocephalic Trunk ; abnormalities ; anatomy & histology ; Cadaver ; Carotid Artery, Common ; abnormalities ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Subclavian Artery ; abnormalities ; anatomy & histology ; Vertebral Artery ; abnormalities ; anatomy & histology

OBJECTIVETo study the anatomical characteristics about ascending aortic and aortic arch in Chinese population by CT.

METHODSFrom September 2006 to September 2007, 388 patients free of current known aortic pathology undergone thoracic aorta CTA. The diameter of ascending aorta, aortic arch, and branch vessels of aortic arch were measured respectively by AW4.2 work station. The data base about all the measurements was set up. The CHISS statistical software was used to analysis data.

RESULTSThe aortic diameter above coronary artery (CA), the level at origin of and brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), the halfway of the ascending aorta, the level at origin of left common carotid artery (LCCA), the level at origin of left subclavian artery (LSA) and the level at distal of origin of LSA respectively were (34 +/- 5) mm, (34 +/- 5) mm, (33 +/- 4) mm, (30 +/- 4) mm, (28 +/- 3) mm and (26 +/- 3) mm. The diameters of two level between the origin of BCT and right subclavian artery (RSA) were (13.1 +/- 1.9) mm and (12.8 +/- 2.3) mm. Diameters of two level at LCCA were (8.7 +/- 1.5) mm and (7.9 +/- 1.0) mm. The diameters of two level between the origin of LSA and left vertebral artery were (10.7 +/- 1.7) mm and (9.3 +/- 1.3) mm. The aortic lumina length between the origin of CA and BCT was (5.3 +/- 1.2) cm, the aortic lumina length between the origin of BCT and LCCA was (1.3 +/- 0.4) cm, the lumen length between origin of BCT and RSA was (4.1 +/- 0.8) cm, the lumen length between origin of LSA and left vertebral artery was (3.8 +/- 0.8) cm. The distance between the wall of BCT and LCCA was (0.4 +/- 0.2) cm, the distance between the wall of LCCA and LSA was (0.7 +/- 0.6) cm.

CONCLUSIONSModular branched stent-graft system is fit for most part of the Chinese. The size fit for human could be got on this basic.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aorta ; anatomy & histology ; Aorta, Thoracic ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Aortography ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Brachiocephalic Trunk ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Carotid Artery, Common ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prosthesis Design ; Subclavian Artery ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

Anatomical variations of the inferior mesenteric artery are extremely uncommon, since the inferior mesenteric artery is regularly diverged at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. We found a rare case in which the inferior mesenteric artery arose from the superior mesenteric artery. The findings were made during a routine dissection of the cadaver of an 82-yr-old Korean woman. This is the tenth report on this anomaly, the second female and the first Korean. The superior mesenteric artery normally arising from abdominal aorta sent the inferior mesenteric artery as the second branch. The longitudinal anastomosis vessels between the superior mesenteric artery and inferior mesenteric artery survived to form the common mesenteric artery. This anatomical variation concerning the common mesenteric artery is of clinical importance, performing procedures containing the superior mesenteric artery.
Aged, 80 and over ; Aorta, Abdominal/abnormalities ; Female ; Humans ; Mesenteric Artery, Inferior/*abnormalities/anatomy & histology ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior/*abnormalities/anatomy & histology ; Republic of Korea

INTRODUCTIONKnowledge of anatomical variations of the great vessels of the abdomen, including the coeliac trunk, is important for clinicians planning surgical intervention and radiological imaging. The present study aimed to record the prevalence of variations in the vascular pattern of branches of the coeliac trunk in cadavers.

METHODSA total of 50 properly embalmed and formalin-fixed cadavers from the Indian population were selected for the study. Dissection included surgical incision, followed by mobilisation of the anatomical viscera, to observe and record the branching pattern of the coeliac trunk.

RESULTSThe left gastric, common hepatic and splenic arteries were found to arise from the coeliac trunk in 86% of cadavers. In 76% of cadavers, the origin of the gastric artery was proximal to the bifurcation of the coeliac trunk into the common hepatic and splenic arteries. In one case, all three branches arose directly from the abdominal aorta, and the origin of the splenic artery was 1 cm distal to the origin of the left gastric and common hepatic arteries. In another case, the common hepatic and left gastric arteries arose from the coeliac trunk, and the origin of the splenic artery was 1.5 cm distal to the abdominal aorta.

CONCLUSIONVessel ligation and anastomosis are important in surgical procedures like liver transplantation, and background knowledge of the different vascular patterns of branches of the coeliac trunk is vital. The findings of our study could help to minimise complications related to abdominal surgery, including bleeding and necrosis, and facilitate better and more accurate radiological interpretations.

Adult ; Aged ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Aorta, Abdominal ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Cadaver ; Celiac Artery ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Female ; Hepatic Artery ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Humans ; Liver ; blood supply ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Splenic Artery ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Vascular Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult