Authors:
Andrews Souza
1
;
2
;
3
;
Inês Afonso
1
;
3
;
Violeta Carvalho
1
;
2
;
4
;
5
;
Diana Rodrigues
1
;
Senhorinha Teixeira
4
;
João Ribeiro
3
;
José Pereira
6
;
Reinaldo Rodrigues de Souza
1
;
6
;
Rui A. Lima
1
;
7
and
Ana Moita
6
Affiliations:
1
MEtRICs, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
;
2
Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
;
3
Campus de Santa Apolónia, CIMO—Instituto Politécncio de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
;
4
ALGORITMI/LASI Center, University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800‐058 Guimarães, Portugal
;
5
LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
;
6
IN+, Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
;
7
CEFT, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto (FEUP), Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
Keyword(s):
Intracranial Aneurism Biomodels, PDMS, In vitro Flow Test, Biofluids, Additive Manufacturing, Polysmooth.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the flow within intracranial aneurysms, which are localized dilations of the cerebral arteries that pose a risk of rupture and strokes. The experimental analysis was conducted on scaled-down biomodels of a cerebral aneurysm to better understand its flow patterns. To carry out the experimental phase, the biomodels were manufactured using rapid prototyping and lost core casting techniques. The biomodels were assessed for optical transparency and dimensions, confirming their suitability for flow visualization tests. The findings revealed that within the recirculation zones of the aneurysm, the flow velocities were notably lower when compared to the entry and exit points. As the flow rate increased, the recirculation focus gradually approached the aneurysm wall. Furthermore, the geometry of the aneurysm played an important role in influencing the flow behavior. These insights are crucial, as they are linked to some extent with the risk of intracra
nial aneurysm rupture, which may entail severe consequences. This study enriches our understanding of the aneurysm flow dynamics and contributes to the development of the inherent preventative and treatment measures.
(More)