Hemodynamics and coil distribution with changing coil stiffness and length in intracranial aneurysms

The purpose of this study was to investigate hemodynamics and coil distribution with changing coil stiffness and length using the finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.

Basic side-wall and bifurcation type aneurysm models were used. Six types of coil models were generated by changing the coil stiffness and length, based on commercially available embolic coils. Coil embolization was simulated using FEM. CFD was performed to characterize the hemodynamics in the aneurysms after embolization. Coil distribution and velocity reduction in the aneurysms were evaluated.

The median value of radial coil distribution was shifted from the center to the outer side of the aneurysmal dome by changing coil stiffness: harder coils entered the outer side of the aneurysmal dome more easily. Short coils were more distributed at the neck region, since their small size made it easy for them to enter the tighter area. CFD results also indicated that velocity in the aneurysm was effectively reduced when the coils were more distributed at the neck region and the outer side of the aneurysmal dome because of the disturbance in blood inflow.

It is easier for coils to enter the outer side of the aneurysmal sphere when they are harder. If coils are short, they can enter tighter areas more easily. In addition, high coil density at the outer side of the aneurysmal dome and at the neck region is important to achieve effective velocity reduction.