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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
A Murine Model of Carotid Aneurysm Formation
Published on: September 9, 2025
Particle transport in intracranial aneurysms: a non-dimensional discrete element model study
Yago Radziunas-Salinas1, Santiago Paramés-Estévez2, Ezequiel Álvarez3
1Photonics4Life Research Group, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Physics and Materials Institute - iMATUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain; Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Spain.
This study uses coupled simulations to analyze how particle characteristics influence their movement within intracranial aneurysm (IA) hemodynamics. Findings reveal non-dimensional parameters predict particle entry and depth, aiding IA treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Intracranial aneurysm (IA) hemodynamics feature low-velocity recirculating zones.
- These zones influence the behavior of suspended microparticles, impacting IA development and treatment.
- Understanding particle-IA interaction is crucial for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between mechanical particles and IA hemodynamics.
- To develop a proof-of-concept approach using coupled Discrete Element Model - Computational Fluid Dynamics (DEM-CFD) simulations.
- To establish a non-dimensional framework for predicting particle behavior within IAs.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of an idealized IA model's velocity fields, wall shear stress (WSS), and vorticity.
- Simulation of particle (rods, discs, spheres of varying sizes and densities) trajectories using DEM-CFD.
- Analysis of particle behavior using a non-dimensional framework with parameters like convective Stokes number (Stc) and sedimentation-to-convection ratio (Sv).
Main Results:
- Particle entry into the IA is enhanced when Stc approaches unity, indicating strong inertia.
- Intra-sac penetration depth is favored by low Stc and vortex-entrainment Stokes number (SΩ), promoting recirculation.
- A regime map in the (Stc, Sv) plane effectively synthesizes particle behavior across various configurations.
Conclusions:
- Particle transport within IAs can be framed as a non-dimensional problem.
- The study provides a rational basis for relating particle properties (size, density, sphericity) to IA hemodynamics.
- This approach offers potential for optimizing particle-based IA therapies.
