Simulating Coil Embolization Treatments of Intracranial Aneurysms Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

In this study, a commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program was used to simulate coil embolization techniques, standard coiling (SC) and stent-assisted coiling (SAC), in simplified vessels that are representative of vessels found in the brain. The test models included a curved vessel, ranging from 3mm to 4mm in diameter. The vessel was afflicted with a spherical aneurysm, ranging from 8mm to 16mm in diameter. The four test cases were simulated without treatment, with SC treatment, and with SAC treatment, for a total of twelve simulations. The parameters of interest were blood volume flow into aneurysm, fluid velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), and vorticity. Results of the simulations indicate, on average, SC and SAC reduced volume flow into the aneurysm by 50% and to over 60%, respectively. Both SC and SAC appeared to reduce distal neck WSS. Both treatments reduced average overall dome WSS by approximately 76%. Average aneurysm neck velocity was reduced by both treatments; SC reduced neck velocity by 69% and SAC reduced neck velocity by 75%. Information on SC and SAC efficacy in idealized scenarios could assist medical professionals determining viable approaches for patient-specific cases and lays foundation for future CFD studies exploring coil embolization treatments.