Numerical blood flow analysis: arterial bifurcation with a saccular aneurysm

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Intracranial saccular aneurysms are pathological vascular dilatations.
• Blood flow dynamics within aneurysms are complex and not fully understood.
• Altered hemodynamics are implicated in aneurysm progression and rupture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate blood flow patterns and particle paths in saccular intracranial aneurysms.
• To analyze the influence of Reynolds number and aneurysm geometry on flow dynamics.
• To assess the potential for clot formation due to intra-aneurysmal flow stasis.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulation using the finite element method.
• Modeling incompressible Newtonian fluid flow.
• Analysis of two different Reynolds numbers and two aneurysm geometries.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated disturbed blood flow patterns at arterial bifurcations with aneurysms.
• Observed significant flow activity and particle circulation within the aneurysms.
• Identified prolonged particle residence times, suggesting conditions conducive to thrombus formation.

Conclusions:

• Intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics are significantly altered, promoting conditions for cellular aggregation and thrombosis.
• Numerical methods provide valuable insights into aneurysm pathophysiology.
• Understanding these flow dynamics is crucial for predicting aneurysm behavior and guiding treatment.