Haemodynamic simulation of aneurysm coiling in an anatomically accurate computational fluid dynamics model: technical...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Computational Science

Background:

• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a numerical method for analyzing blood flow dynamics in cerebral aneurysms.
• Advances allow for anatomically accurate computational models of intracranial aneurysms.
• This study introduces a novel porous medium-based CFD method for simulating endosaccular coil embolization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate endosaccular coiling of a cerebral aneurysm using a CFD model.
• To demonstrate the induced hemodynamic changes during the coiling procedure.
• To evaluate the potential of CFD in interventional planning for aneurysm treatment.

Main Methods:

• A 3D geometric model was created from angiogram data of a ruptured anterior communicating aneurysm.
• Coiling simulation was performed using a porous medium approach representing embolization coils.
• Key hemodynamic parameters analyzed included wall pressure, blood velocity, and flow patterns.

Main Results:

• Significant hemodynamic alterations were observed after the initial coil deployment, with further changes during subsequent stages.
• Coiling led to reduced blood velocity, decreased vortical flow within the aneurysm sac, and lower wall pressure at the fundus.
• Hemodynamic characteristics at the neck remnant may help predict future coil compaction and aneurysm regrowth.

Conclusions:

• Computational techniques, specifically this porous medium CFD method, show potential for simulating coil embolization.
• These simulations can provide valuable insights into hemodynamic behavior during aneurysm treatment.
• CFD modeling may serve as a useful tool for interventional planning and procedural decision-making in neurosurgery.