Modeling of Angiographic Dye Washout From Cerebral Aneurysms Before and After Stenting: An Index for Stent Efficacy

Abstract

The ultimate goal in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms is to exclude them from the intracranial circulation while preserving the parent artery. Recently, in vivo and in vitro experiments and clinical studies demonstrated that endovascular stenting is a significant and viable treatment option for cerebral aneurysms. Stents reduce the mass and momentum transport of blood from the parent artery into the aneurysm and alter both intra-aneurysmal flow and inflow-outflow patterns. The reduction of vorticity and flow stasis within the sac leads to thrombus formation and eventual exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has become an essential clinical tool for the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysms and is an important adjunct to stenting procedures.