Effects of exercise body conditions on hemodynamics of blood flow in saccular ICA aneurysms: Pre- and post-stent-induced deformation

Abstract

Intracranial aneurysms, particularly those located in the internal carotid artery (ICA), present a significant risk of rupture due to abnormal blood flow dynamics. The application of endovascular stents has become a common intervention to modify the flow in these aneurysms. However, the impact of stent-induced deformation on hemodynamics under varying physiological body conditions remains understudied. This work investigates the effects of rest and exercise conditions on blood flow patterns within saccular ICA aneurysms, both before and after stent placement. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using patient-specific aneurysm geometries to quantify changes in flow velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), and oscillatory shear index (OSI). The study demonstrates that exercise induces higher flow velocities and increased WSS, potentially elevating rupture risks pre-stenting. Poststent insertion, we observed reduced flow velocities and improved stabilization of hemodynamic parameters, although the extent of deformation plays a critical role in these outcomes. Understanding how physiological conditions influence hemodynamics in stented and non-stented aneurysms may guide personalized treatment approaches and enhance stent design to improve patient outcomes.