Vortex phenomena in sidewall aneurysm hemodynamics: Experiment and numerical simulation

We carry out high-resolution laboratory experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the dynamics of unsteady vortex formation across the neck of an anatomic in vitro model of an intracranial aneurysm. A transparent acrylic replica of the aneurysm is manufactured and attached to a pulse duplicator system in the laboratory. Time-resolved three-dimensional three-component velocity measurements are obtained inside the aneurysm sac under physiologic pulsatile conditions. High-resolution numerical simulations are also carried out under conditions replicating as closely as possible those of the laboratory experiment. Comparison of the measured and computed flow fields shows very good agreement in terms of instantaneous velocity fields and three-dimensional coherent structures. Both experiments and numerical simulations show that a well-defined vortical structure is formed near the proximal neck at early systole. This vortical structure is advected by the flow across the aneurysm neck and impinges on the distal wall. The results underscore the complexity of aneurysm hemodynamics and point to the need for integrating high-resolution, time-resolved three-dimensional experimental and computational techniques. The current work emphasizes the importance of vortex formation phenomena at aneurysmal necks and reinforces the findings of previous computational work and recent clinical studies pointing to links between flow pulsatility and aneurysm growth and rupture.