Jens Schaller

Variability of Computational Fluid Dynamics Solutions for Pressure and Flow in a Giant Aneurysm: The ASME 2012 Summer Bioengineering Conference CFD Challenge

Stimulated by a recent controversy regarding pressure drops predicted in a giant aneurysm with a proximal stenosis, the present study sought to assess variability in the prediction of pressures and flow by a wide variety of research groups. In phase I, lumen geometry, flow rates, and fluid properties were specified, leaving each research group to choose their solver, discretization, and solution strategies. Variability was assessed by having each group interpolate their results onto a standardized mesh and centerline. For phase II, a physical model of the geometry was constructed, from which pressure and flow rates were measured. Groups repeated their simulations using a geometry reconstructed from a micro-computed tomography (CT) scan of the physical model with the measured flow rates and fluid properties. Phase I results from 25 groups demonstrated remarkable consistency in the pressure patterns, with the majority predicting peak systolic pressure drops within 8% of each other. Aneurysm sac flow patterns were more variable with only a few groups reporting peak systolic flow instabilities owing to their use of high temporal resolutions. Variability for phase II was comparable, and the median predicted pressure drops were within a few millimeters of mercury of the measured values but only after accounting for submillimeter errors in the reconstruction of the life-sized flow model from micro-CT. In summary, pressure can be predicted with consistency by CFD across a wide range of solvers and solution strategies, but this may not hold true for specific flow patterns or derived quantities. Future challenges are needed and should focus on hemodynamic quantities thought to be of clinical interest.

MRI-based computational fluid dynamics for diagnosis and treatment prediction: clinical validation study in patients with coarctation of aorta.

To reduce the need for diagnostic catheterization and optimize treatment in a variety of congenital heart diseases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is proposed. However, data about the accuracy of CFD in a clinical context are still sparse. To fill this gap, this study compares MRI‐based CFD to catheterization in the coarctation of aorta (CoA) setting.

Numerical Analysis of Blood Damage Potential of the HeartMate II and HeartWare HVAD Rotary Blood Pumps

Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) became the therapy of choice in treating end-stage heart failure. Although survival improved substantially and is similar in currently clinically implanted LVADs HeartMate II (HM II) and HeartWare HVAD, complications related to blood trauma are frequently observed. The aim of this study was to compare these two pumps regarding their potential blood trauma employing computational fluid dynamics. High-resolution structured grids were generated for the pumps. Newtonian flow was calculated, solving Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with a sliding mesh approach and a k-ω shear stress transport turbulence model for the operating point of 4.5 L/min and 80 mm Hg. The pumps were compared in terms of volumes subjected to certain viscous shear stress thresholds, below which no trauma was assumed (von Willebrand factor cleavage: 9 Pa, platelet activation: 50 Pa, and hemolysis: 150 Pa), and associated residence times. Additionally, a hemolysis index was calculated based on a Eulerian transport approach. Twenty-two percent of larger volumes above 9 Pa were observed in the HVAD; above 50 Pa and 150 Pa the differences between the two pumps were marginal. Residence times were higher in the HVAD for all thresholds. The hemolysis index was almost equal for the HM II and HVAD. Besides the gap regions in both pumps, the inlet regions of the rotor and diffuser blades have a high hemolysis production in the HM II, whereas in the HVAD, the volute tongue is an additional site for hemolysis production. Thus, in this study, the comparison of the HM II and the HVAD using numerical methods indicated an overall similar tendency to blood trauma in both pumps. However, influences of turbulent shear stresses were not considered and effects of the pivot bearing in the HM II were not taken into account. Further in vitro investigations are required.

Statistical wall shear stress maps of ruptured and unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms

Haemodynamics and morphology play an important role in the genesis, growth and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. The goal of this study was to generate and analyse statistical wall shear stress (WSS) distributions and shapes in middle cerebral artery (MCA) saccular aneurysms. Unsteady flow was simulated in seven ruptured and 15 unruptured MCA aneurysms. In order to compare these results, all geometries must be brought in a uniform coordinate system. For this, aneurysms with corresponding WSS data were transformed into a uniform spherical shape; then, all geometries were uniformly aligned in three-dimensional space. Subsequently, we compared statistical WSS maps and surfaces of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. No significant (p > 0.05) differences exist between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms regarding radius and mean WSS. In unruptured aneurysms, statistical WSS map relates regions with high (greater than 3 Pa) WSS to the neck region. In ruptured aneurysms, additional areas with high WSS contiguous to regions of low (less than 1 Pa) WSS are found in the dome region. In ruptured aneurysms, we found significantly lower WSS. The averaged aneurysm surface of unruptured aneurysms is round shaped, whereas the averaged surface of ruptured cases is multi-lobular. Our results confirm the hypothesis of low WSS and irregular shape as the essential rupture risk parameters.

Reproducibility of Image-Based Analysis of Cerebral Aneurysm Geometry and Hemodynamics: An In-Vitro Study of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, and Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Image-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) provides a means for analysis of biofluid mechanical parameters of cerebral aneurysms. This may enable patient-specific rupture risk analysis and facilitate treatment decisions. Application of different imaging methods may, however, alter the geometrical basis of these studies. The present study compares geometry and hemodynamics of an aneurysm phantom model acquired by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and rotational angiography (3DRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS The phantom model of a basilaris artery aneurysm was fabricated based on data generated by CT angiography. This model underwent imaging by means of CT, MRI, and 3DRA. We compared the geometrical reconstructions using the original dataset with those obtained from CT, MRI, and 3DRA. Similarly, CFD analyses were performed using the four reconstructions (3DRA, MRI, CT, and original dataset). RESULTS MRI and the 3DRA-based reconstructions yield mean reconstruction errors of 0.097 mm and 0.1 mm, which are by a factor of 2.5 better than the CT reconstruction. The maximal error for the aneurysm radius (7.11 mm) measurement was found in the 3DRA reconstruction and was 3.8% (0.28 mm). A comparison of calculated time-averaged wall shear stress (WSS) shows good correlations for the entire surface and, separately, for the surface of the aneurysmal sack. The maximal error of 8% of the mean WSS calculation of the whole surface was found for the CT reconstruction. The calculations of the aneurysmal sack mean WSS from the MRI reconstruction were estimated to have a maximal error of 7%. CONCLUSION All three imaging techniques (CT, MRI, 3DRA) adequately reproduce aneurysm geometry and allow meaningful CFD analyses.

Hemodynamic impact of cerebral aneurysm endovascular treatment devices: coils and flow diverters

Coils and flow diverters or stents are devices successfully used to treat cerebral aneurysms. Treatment aims to reduce intra-aneurysmal flow, thereby separating the aneurysmal sac from the blood circulation. The focus and this manuscript combining literature review and our original research is an analysis of changes in aneurysmal hemodynamics caused by endovascular treatment devices. Knowledge of post-treatment hemodynamics is a path to successful long-term treatment. Summarizing findings on hemodynamic impact of treatment devices, we conclude: coiling and stenting do not affect post-treatment intra-aneurysmal pressure, but significantly alter aneurysmal hemodynamics through flow reduction and a change in flow structure. The impact of treatment devices on aneurysmal flow depends, however, on a set of parameters including device geometry, course of placement, parent vessel and aneurysm geometry.

Hemodynamic in Aortic Coarctation Using MRI-Based Inflow Condition

Image-based CFD can support diagnosis, treatment decision and planning. The ability of CFD to calculate pressure drop across the aortic coarctation is the focus of the 2013 STACOM Challenge. The focus of our study was inflow conditions. We compared a MRI-based inlet velocity profile with a swirl and an often used plug velocity profile without swirl. The unsteady flow simulations were performed using the solver FLUENT with consideration of the challenge specifications. For outflows, the constant outflow ratios of the supra-aortic vessels were set. The consideration of a secondary flow swirl at the inlet of the ascending aorta significantly affect reduce the calculated pressure drop across the aortic coarctation and hence the treatment decision. Furthermore, using MRI-measured flow rates at the ascending and the descending aorta without a proof of data consistency could result in an overestimated pressure drop due to overestimated flow into the supra-aortic vessels.

CFD Challenge: Solutions Using the Commercial Finite Volume Solver, Fluent

The Biofluid Mechanics Laboratory is working on hemodyanamics of medical devices and vessels — carotid bifurcations, coronary arteries and cerebral aneurysms — since mid 90s. For this challenge the simulations were performed by the doctorate student Jens Schaller supported by the student coworker Jan Osman using the commercial solver Fluent (Fluent 6.3.26, Ansys Inc., Canonsburg, USA).Copyright

Role of flow for the deposition of platelets

Implants inside the cardiovascular system are subjected to blood flow. Platelet deposition usually takes place, eventually leading to thrombus formation. Tests must be performed in order to select a suitable biomaterial, but no generally accepted test method exists for biomaterials in contact with blood. At a first glance, the flow appears to play only a minor role in the complex interaction between platelets and biomaterials. However, experiments and models have indeed demonstrated the importance of flow. Flow is the mechanism by which platelets are transported to the site of deposition, enabling deposition and forming the shape of a growing thrombus. This interaction is investigated here by means of two experimental models. The first model generates the simplest shear flow, the plane Couette flow. It serves to quantify the role of the shear rate. The second model, the stagnation point flow model, features a more complex shear flow. This model is used to understand the influence of a changing flow field along the wall over which the platelets travel. The platelet deposition is observed using the two experimental models, and a numerical model is developed to reproduce and simulate the experimental results. In the numerical model, the movement of platelets is computed with a combination of convective and stochastic movements due to diffusion. The combined motion brings some platelets close to the wall. The deposition of the platelet at the wall is modeled by a stochastic model. Probability determines whether the individual platelet deposits or flows onwards. This probability is the product of three different probabilities, which are the properties of the platelet, the wall, and the flow. The results of the models are compared with the experimental results and are used to understand the experiments.

In vitro study of hemodynamic treatment improvement: Hunterian ligation of a fenestrated basilar artery aneurysm after coiling

Hunterian ligation affecting hemodynamics in vessels was proposed to avoid rebleeding in a case of a fenestrated basilar artery aneurysm after incomplete coil occlusion. We studied the hemodynamics in vitro to predict the hemodynamic changes near the aneurysm remnant caused by Hunterian ligation. A transparent model was fabricated based on three-dimensional rotational angiography imaging. Arteries were segmented and reconstructed. Pulsatile flow in the artery segments near the partially occluded (coiled) aneurysm was investigated by means of particle image velocimetry. The hemodynamic situation was investigated before and after Hunterian ligation of either the left or the right vertebral artery (LVA/RVA). Since post-ligation flow rate in the basilar artery was unknown, reduced and retained flow rates were simulated for both ligation options. Flow in the RVA and in the corresponding fenestra vessel is characterized by a vortex at the vertebrobasilar junction, whereas the LVA exhibits undisturbed laminar flow. Both options (RVA or LVA ligation) cause a significant flow reduction near the aneurysm remnant with a retained flow rate. The impact of RVA ligation is, however, significantly higher. This in vitro case study shows that flow reduction near the aneurysm remnant can be achieved by Hunterian ligation and that this effect depends largely on the selection of the ligated vessel. Thus the ability of the proposed in vitro pipe-line to improve hemodynamic impact of the proposed therapy was successfully proved.