Numerical modeling of blood flow in the internal jugular vein with the use of computational fluid mechanics software

Abstract

Objectives To determine the site and nature of altered hemodynamics in pathological internal jugular veins. Method With the use of computational fluid mechanics software we simulated blood flow in 3 D models of the internal jugular veins that exhibited different morphologies, including nozzle-like strictures in their upper parts and valves in the lower parts. Results In a majority of models with nozzle-like strictures, especially those positioned asymmetrically, abnormal flow pattern was revealed, with significant flow separation and regions with reversed flow. Abnormal valves had no significant impact on flow in a case of already altered flow evoked by stricture in upper part of the vein. Conclusions In our jugular model, cranially-located stenoses, which in clinical practice are primarily caused by external compression, cause more significant outflow impact respect to endoluminal defects and pathological valves located more caudally.

Results of Numerical Modeling of Blood Flow in the Internal Jugular Vein Exhibiting Different Types of Strictures

“…This study confirmed the results of our previous study [ 25 ], which was based on a different computational fluid mechanics (CFM) package. Similar to the findings of this research, we demonstrated that stenosis located at the beginning of the internal jugular vein can significantly affect the blood flow pattern.…”

“…This in silico study is the continuation of that research [ 25 ] and was aimed at understanding the influence of stenoses located at the beginning of IJV on the flow through this vein and the functioning of the jugular valve located downstream.…”

“…In our previous paper [ 25 ], based on the results of flow simulations, we suggested that strictures located at the level of the jugular foramen are probably more clinically relevant than the pathological jugular valves. These computer simulations suggested that strictures in the upper part of IJV are probably more clinically relevant.…”

Abnormal jugular valves are not the sole explanation of an impaired outflow from the cranial cavity through the internal jugular veins: results of <I>in silico</I> studies

“…The alternative interpretation of flow disturbances in these veins is that the main source of abnormal outflow are nozzlelike strictures in their upper parts, at the level or just below the jugular foramen, for example, caused by an enlarged transverse process of the atlas and/or styloid process of the temporal bone. 1 These in silico studies were aimed at validation of this hypothesis.…”

Adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines-associated cerebral venous sinus thromboses: Are those adverse events related to the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps?

“… 21 Perhaps, this complication in this unique venous territory occurs in patients with anatomical variants of the cerebral veins and sinuses, which evokes venous stasis in the cerebral circulation in the decubitus body position (in the upright body position a substantial part of blood flows out of the cranial cavity through the vertebral venous pathway, thus should not be affected, even is a case of anatomical anomalies). 22 , 23 An activation of neutrophils in the settings of blood stasis is a well-known phenomenon. 24 However, if such a pathomechanism was actually playing a role, immunothrombotic occlusions could also occur in other veins with stagnant flow, such as varicose veins.…”