Experimental validation of numerical simulations on a cerebral aneurysm phantom model

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Cerebral aneurysms affect ~5% of the population, posing significant mortality risks upon rupture.
• Current treatments are complex, necessitating a deeper understanding of unsteady blood flow in intricate 3D geometries.
• Accurate numerical models are crucial for improving aneurysm treatment, but require rigorous validation against experimental data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for cerebral aneurysm blood flow.
• To compare CFD simulations with in situ laser-Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements.
• To assess the accuracy of numerical models in reproducing realistic hemodynamic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Developed a 1:1 scale silicone phantom model of a cerebral aneurysm.
• Created a blood-mimicking fluid with matched refractive index for optical measurements.
• Conducted CFD simulations and LDV experiments using complex pulsatile flow waveforms.

Main Results:

• Direct, quantitative comparison between CFD simulations and LDV measurements was achieved.
• The study demonstrated the capability of CFD models to accurately represent in situ flow dynamics.
• Validated the accuracy of the computational model for simulating unsteady blood flow in aneurysms.

Conclusions:

• CFD simulations, when validated against experimental data like LDV, provide a reliable tool for studying cerebral aneurysm hemodynamics.
• Accurate modeling enhances understanding of complex flow patterns, crucial for advancing neurosurgical and neuroradiological interventions.
• This validated approach supports the development of improved treatment strategies for cerebral aneurysms.