CFD analysis of hemodynamic parameters on initiation of aneurysms of middle cerebral artery bifurcation
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Intracranial aneurysms are outpouchings of the blood vessels, with preference for their formation near bifurcations and branch points. With advances in modern medical imaging techniques, small unruptured intracranial aneurysms are being increasingly detected. Sometimes, clinicians have observed the rupture of smaller aneurysms as well. The present study analyzes the hemodynamic genesis of an aneurysm and its evolution. The extracted aneurysm geometry was digitally reconstructed to obtain the native blood vessel anatomy. Detailed simulations are performed on both configurations, viz., the native state of the blood vessel, as well as the current diseased state of the aneurysm, for understanding the role played by hemodynamic forces. Wall shear stress (WSS) and its derived parameters are computed for the results. It is observed from our results that the mean pressure is higher at the point of flow impingement, which is responsible for the initiation of the aneurysm. Low WSS along with stronger tensile forces are experienced near the bifurcating region. The aneurysm formation index (AFI) is highly correlated with the regions of aneurysm formation. The present study helps in identifying high-risk small aneurysms for making optimum decisions on treatment strategies.
