Numerical models of auto-regulation and blood flow in the cerebral circulation

A two-dimensional time-dependent computational fluid dynamics model of the Circle of Willis has been developed. To simulate, not only the peripheral resistance of the cerebrovascular tree but also its auto-regulation function, a new "active" boundary condition has been defined and developed using control theory to provide a model of the feedback mechanism. The model was then used to simulate different common abnormalities of the Circle of Willis while a pressure drop, simulating a rapid compression of the right internal carotid artery, was imposed. Test results using a simple tube compared excellently with experiment. The total time-dependent flux for each efferent artery was tabulated and showed the important relationship between geometrical variations in the Circle of Willis and the auto-regulation of blood flow by vascular vaso-dilation and contraction. From this study, it was found that the worst case seemed to be that of a missing or dysfunctional right A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery. The use of valid physiological models of the peripheral resistance allows for more realistic models of the blood flow in the Circle whilst allowing an easy extension to 3D patient specific simulations.