Hemodynamic Changes Caused by Flow Diverters in Rabbit Aneurysm Models: Comparison of Virtual and Realistic FD Deployments Based on Micro-CT Reconstruction

PLoS One. 2013 Jun 18;8(6):e66072. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066072. Print 2013.

Abstract

Adjusting hemodynamics via flow diverter (FD) implantation is emerging as a novel method of treating cerebral aneurysms. However, most previous FD-related hemodynamic studies were based on virtual FD deployment, which may produce different hemodynamic outcomes than realistic (in vivo) FD deployment. We compared hemodynamics between virtual FD and realistic FD deployments in rabbit aneurysm models using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. FDs were implanted for aneurysms in 14 rabbits. Vascular models based on rabbit-specific angiograms were reconstructed for CFD studies. Real FD configurations were reconstructed based on micro-CT scans after sacrifice, while virtual FD configurations were constructed with SolidWorks software. Hemodynamic parameters before and after FD deployment were analyzed. According to the metal coverage (MC) of implanted FDs calculated based on micro-CT reconstruction, 14 rabbits were divided into two groups (A, MC >35%; B, MC <35%). Normalized mean wall shear stress (WSS), relative residence time (RRT), inflow velocity, and inflow volume in Group A were significantly different (P<0.05) from virtual FD deployment, but pressure was not (P>0.05). The normalized mean WSS in Group A after realistic FD implantation was significantly lower than that of Group B. All parameters in Group B exhibited no significant difference between realistic and virtual FDs. This study confirmed MC-correlated differences in hemodynamic parameters between realistic and virtual FD deployment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Male
  • Rabbits
  • User-Computer Interface*
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods*

Grants and funding

This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30901556 and Grant No. 81171092) and Rising-Star Program of Shanghai Science and Technology Committee (Grant no. 11QA1408400). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.