A computer simulation of the haemodynamic effects of intracranial arteriovenous malformation occlusion.

To study the effect of AVM occlusion on cerebrovascular haemodynamics, a simplified model was simulated consisting of a feeding artery supplying a capillary bed in parallel with a fistula-like malformation, both emptying into a draining vein. An electrical circuit analogue of the physiologic system was developed using lumped proximal and distal pressure dependent resistances, and capacitors representing vascular compliance. Autoregulation was introduced as a pressure varying precapillary arteriolar resistance.