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Virtual treatment of basilar aneurysms using shape memory polymer foam.
J M Ortega1, J Hartman, J N Rodriguez
1Engineering Technologies Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-090, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. ortega17@llnl.gov
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|January 19, 2013
Summary
Shape memory polymer (SMP) foam effectively treats basilar aneurysms by reducing blood flow speed and eliminating dangerous fluctuations. This innovative treatment shows promise for preventing thrombus formation in aneurysms.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Basilar aneurysms pose significant risks, often requiring invasive treatments.
- Shape memory polymer (SMP) foam presents a novel, less invasive treatment option.
- Understanding the hemodynamic impact of SMP foam is crucial for assessing treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically simulate and evaluate the hemodynamic effects of SMP foam in patient-specific basilar aneurysms.
- To compare two distinct modeling approaches for simulating blood flow within SMP foam.
- To assess the potential of SMP foam in reducing intra-aneurysmal flow disturbances and predicting thrombus formation.
Main Methods:
- Patient-specific basilar aneurysm models were created.
- Two computational approaches were used: micro-CT geometry with Newtonian/non-Newtonian blood viscosity, and porous media continuum modeling.
- Hemodynamics, virtual angiography, and a low-fidelity thrombosis model were employed to analyze flow characteristics.
Main Results:
- SMP foam significantly reduced blood flow speed within treated aneurysms.
- High-frequency velocity fluctuations characteristic of pre-treatment aneurysms were eliminated.
- Both modeling approaches indicated a reduction in the predicted volume of thrombus formation.
Conclusions:
- SMP foam is a promising treatment for basilar aneurysms, significantly improving hemodynamic conditions.
- The employed modeling strategies provide valuable insights into the efficacy of SMP foam interventions.
- Further research can optimize SMP foam design and predict long-term outcomes, including thrombosis prevention.
