Modeling the Interaction of Coils With the Local Blood Flow After Coil Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms

Abstract

Aneurysmal recanalization and coil compaction after coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms are seen in as many as 40% of cases. Higher packing density has been suggested to reduce both coil compaction and recanalization. Basilar bifurcation aneurysms remain a challenge due possibly to the hemodynamics of this specific aneurysm/parent vessel architecture, which subjects the coil mass at the aneurysm neck to elevated and repetitive impingement forces. In the present study, we propose a new modeling strategy that facilitates a better understanding of the complex interactions between detachable coils and the local blood flow. In particular, a semiheuristic porous media set of equations used to describe the intra-aneurysmal flow is coupled to the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations governing the dynamics of the flow in the involved vessels. The resulting system of equations is solved in a strongly coupled manner using a finite element formulation. Our results suggest that there is a complex interaction between the local hemodynamics and intra-aneurysmal flow that induces significant forces on the coil mass. Although higher packing densities have previously been advocated to reduce coil compaction, our simulations suggest that lower permeability of the coil mass at a given packing density could also promote faster intra-aneurysmal thrombosis due to increased residence times.