Computational fluid dynamics analysis of intracranial aneurysms treated with flow diverters: A case report.

Introduction: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are localized dilatations of intracranial arteries due to weaknesses of the endothelial layer. IAs may be treated by flow diverters (FDs), alternatively to stents and coils combination. FD is a method for the treatment of IAs especially for large, wide-necked or fusiform aneurysms. In this case report, we described a 65-year-old woman with IA who were treated by FD.

Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman was diagnosed with a giant aneurysm at the posterior inferior cerebellar artery segment of the left internal carotid artery. Then based on the computed tomography data of this woman, aneurysm vascular stent model was constructed before and after FD, and internal pressure, velocity, wall shear stress (WSS) of aneurysms were determined by CFD analysis. Standard boundary conditions were applied. It was found that a single FD stent and double FD stents decreased the blood flow and WSS of aneurysm. The effect of single FD stent+30% filling on blood flow was more obvious, but the aneurysm rupture was caused by excessive coil packing. So, a single stent+10% coil packing rate was the best option for treating aneurysms.

Conclusions: CFD analysis for flow velocity and WSS have protection on aneurysms.