Physical and numerical study of cerebral circulation in carotid diseases

A realistic and versalite physical model was built to simulate blood flow t hrough the circle of Willis. Experimental data were then compared to those provided by numerical simulations. When the network is symmetrical and free of stenosis, the results of a linear model closely fit the experimental da ta. In presence of severe obstructive lesions of internal carotid arteries, the pressure drops induced by sudden changes of section or direction at th e level of the communicating arteries must be taken into account. Introduci ng empirical flow-pressure drop relationships in the theoretical model, lea ds to an excellent agreement between experimental and simulated data. (C) 1 999 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.