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In Vitro Evaluation of Intra-Aneurysmal, Flow-Diverter-Induced Thrombus Formation: A Feasibility Study
K Gester1, I Lüchtefeld2, M Büsen2
1From the Department of Cardiovascular Engineering (K.G., I.L., M.B., S.J.S., T.L., U.S.), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute-RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany kathrin.gester@rwth-aachen.de.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|October 10, 2015
Summary
Flow diverters effectively trigger intra-aneurysmal thrombosis for treating intracranial aneurysms. In vitro studies show thrombus formation depends on flow diverter size and intra-aneurysmal flow dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Flow diverters are used to treat intracranial aneurysms by promoting thrombosis.
- Understanding thrombus formation dynamics is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate time-resolved thrombus formation in intracranial aneurysms treated with flow diverters.
- To analyze the influence of flow diverter size on thrombus development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vitro blood experiments and particle imaging velocimetry (PIV).
- Employed silicone aneurysm models with pulsatile flow, comparing no flow diverter to 4.0 mm and 4.5 mm devices.
- Monitored intra-aneurysmal flow using Doppler sonography.
Main Results:
- No thrombus formed without a flow diverter.
- Thrombi formed in all models with flow diverters, originating from the aneurysm neck.
- The 4.0 mm flow diverter promoted organized thrombus formation along the wall, correlating with slower wall velocities (PIV).
- The 4.5 mm flow diverter resulted in a less organized thrombus, linked to central vortex formation (PIV).
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of in vitro studies for investigating time-resolved thrombus formation with flow diverters.
- In vitro models can replicate thrombus formation influenced by flow diverter characteristics and hemodynamics.
