Computational models of blood flow in the circle of Willis

The present study uses the latest technology in computational fluid dynamics to produce a sophisticated model of the circle of Willis cerebro-vascular tree in order to analyse its blood flow characteristics. Different geometric variants have been investigated, including the most common abnormalities such as hypoplasia of the communicating arteries. A novel approach to simulate the vascular resistance of the brain is described. The effects of altering such resistances and the resulting clinical implications are also covered. A two dimensional, steady state model has been completed and the results provide an important insight into the clinical relevance of the different configurations. Observed differences in results between both the steady state and a time dependent model of the circle of Willis are introduced in this article. A number of cases have been simulated end will be presented in this study. The benefit of this work is the possibility to provide the surgeon with a complete list of complications that may arise during surgery for a specific patient, by utilising the necessary MR geometry data of the Circle of Willis. This will allow the medical staff to make better-informed decisions in the pre-operative stages.3.