Computer modeling of anterior circulation stroke: proof of concept in cerebrovascular occlusion.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Current literature emphasizes the role of the Circle of Willis (CoW) in salvaging ischemic brain tissue but not that of leptomeningeal anastomoses (LA). We developed a computational model of the cerebral circulation to (1) evaluate the roles of the CoW and LA in restoring flow to the superficial compartment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory and (2) estimate the size of the LA required to maintain flow above the critical ischemic threshold (>30% of baseline) under simulated occlusion.

Methods

Cerebral vasculature was modeled as a network of junctions connected by cylindrical pipes. The experiments included occlusion of successive distal branches of the intracranial arteries while the diameters of LA were varied.

Results

The model showed that the

SUBMITTER: Phan TG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4168699 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature