University of Minnesota Researchers Use 4D Flow Modeling to Predict Efficacy of Flow Diverters in Treating Aneurysms

The role of hemodynamic parameters in the formation, growth and rupture of intracranial aneurysms, as well as their response to treatment, is poorly understood but likely very important.

“Current methods used to determine risk stratification and prognostication have proven inadequate, but one of the more promising avenues of investigation for predicting aneurysm rupture has been hemodynamic studies,” said Bharathi Jagadeesan, MD, Principal Investigator.

Results from recent studies have shown some correlation between wall shear stress and the risk of aneurysm growth and rupture. This study by University of Minnesota researchers looks at performing high spatio-temporal resolution 7 Tesla 4D flow MRI studies on patients with intracranial aneurysms and combining that information with data captured from 3 Tesla imaging on scaled up 3D printed models of the same aneurysm. The aim is to identify specific flow-related prognostic markers, study baseline flow parameters within aneurysms which are to be treated with flow diverters and integrate computational flow and deployment modeling in the pre-operative and intra-operative stages of treatment.

“We have formed a great, interdisciplinary team consisting of Radiology, Neurosurgery, Aerospace Engineering and CMRR faculty and post-docs to figure out the flow secrets behind aneurysms,” said Dr. Jagadeesan.

This project was awarded the Wallin Grant, and additional funding is anticipated from industry partners and NIH funding.

Bharathi Jagadeesan is the Principal Investigator, and collaborators include Pierre Francois Van de Moortele (CMRR), Ang Zhou (CMRR), Sean Moen (Neurosurgery), Omid Amili (Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics), and Filippo Coletti (Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics).