Numerical simulation flow dynamics of an intracranial aneurysm

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offers novel insights into blood flow dynamics.
• Understanding hemodynamics is crucial for studying intracranial aneurysm formation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare blood flow characteristics.
• To differentiate hemodynamics between healthy internal carotid arteries and intracranial aneurysms.

Main Methods:

• Simulated internal carotid artery blood flow.
• Acquired hemodynamic parameters from a single patient.

Main Results:

• Aneurysm-associated internal carotid arteries showed reduced wall shear stress.
• Higher oscillatory shear index and particle retention time were observed in aneurysms.
• Turbulent flow patterns were identified within the aneurysm vortex.

Conclusions:

• Significant hemodynamic differences exist between healthy and aneurysmal internal carotid arteries.
• Aneurysm-induced turbulence signifies instability.
• This instability is linked to aneurysm growth and rupture.