Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Bifurcation Aneurysms Treated with Pipeline Embolization Device: Side Branch...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Intracranial aneurysms, characterized by cerebral artery swelling, present significant mortality and morbidity risks upon rupture.
• Endovascular treatment using flow-diverting stents aims to mitigate rupture risk by reducing blood flow into the aneurysm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hemodynamic changes in bifurcation models with varying side branch diameters after flow-diverting stent deployment.
• To simulate the hemodynamic effects of pipeline embolization devices.
• To analyze factors like flow velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress.

Main Methods:

• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed on idealized bifurcation models.
• Simulations included scenarios with different side branch diameters and after pipeline embolization device deployment.
• Patient-specific bifurcation aneurysms were also analyzed, with peripheral resistance investigated by varying outlet pressures.

Main Results:

• Larger side branch vessels in aneurysms may increase post-treatment hemodynamic risks.
• While stents reduce aneurysm inflow, they can drastically alter side branch flow, potentially causing hypoperfusion.
• CFD results showed good agreement between idealized and patient-specific models.

Conclusions:

• Flow-diverting stents can lead to side-branch hypoperfusion, a critical consideration for treatment planning.
• Quantitative hemodynamic analysis is crucial for optimizing endovascular treatment strategies for intracranial aneurysms.
• Understanding the impact of side branch diameter and peripheral resistance aids therapeutic decision-making.