A framework for the numerical simulation of early stage aneurysm development with the lattice boltzmann method

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a new approach towards numerical simulation of flow induced early stage development of cerebral aneurysm. The wall shear stress gradient, computed by a CFD simulation inside a bifurcating flow channel, triggers a physiological process leading to the remodelling, and in the worst case, degeneration of the vessel walls. The lattice Boltzmann method, extended by a generic vessel wall model to allow an efficient modification of the flow geometry during run-time, is employed for simulating the modification of the vessel wall, which is considered as initial step for aneurysm formation. First results presented here show a thinning of the vessel wall at locations left and right of the apex of the bifurcation, in good agreement with experimental studies. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.