Rupture risk in abdominal aortic aneurysms: A realistic assessment of the explicit GPU approach

Abstract

Accurate estimation of peak wall stress (PWS) is the crux of biomechanically motivated rupture risk assessment for abdominal aortic aneurysms aimed to improve clinical outcomes. Such assessments often use the finite element (FE) method to obtain PWS, albeit at a high computational cost, motivating simplifications in material or element formulations. These simplifications, while useful, come at a cost of reliability and accuracy. We achieve research-standard accuracy and maintain clinically applicable speeds by using novel computational technologies. We present a solution using our custom finite element code based on graphics processing unit (GPU) technology that is able to account for added complexities involved with more physiologically relevant solutions, e.g. strong anisotropy and heterogeneity. We present solutions up to 17 faster relative to an established finite element code using state-of-the-art nonlinear, anisotropic and nearly-incompressible material descriptions. We show a realistic assessment of the explicit GPU FE approach by using complex problem geometry, biofidelic material law, double-precision floating point computation and full element integration. Due to the increased solution speed without loss of accuracy, shown on five clinical cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms, the method shows promise for clinical use in determining rupture risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms.