FINITE-ELEMENT METHODS IN THE SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS OF INTRACRANIALBLOOD-FLOW

This paper presents an introduction to the use of finite element metho ds in the simulation and analysis of intracranial blood flow and lays the foundation for more detailed clinically oriented studies. An overv iew of finite element theory is provided and includes the formulation of both the continuous and discrete equations of viscous fluid flow A discussion of appropriate assumptions and boundary conditions governin g arterial blood flow is presented. Two-dimensional, rigid-walled mode ls are developed for flow in a straight artery, a 90 degrees curved ar tery and a bifurcated artery. For each model, a description of the fin ite element mesh, numerical solution and computational results are pre sented This paper is the first in a series which will detail computati onal analysis of the relationships between pressure, velocity, develop ment of intracranial aneurysms and therapeutic approaches to aneurysm management. The goals of this research are to investigate the fluid dy namics that arise as a result of pulsatile flow in the arteries of the circle of Willis, relate these hemodynamics to the formation of aneur ysms, develop a computational understanding of the effects of various therapies on blood flow related to aneurysms, and to develop and utili ze patient specific computer simulations for treatment planning.