Computational replicas: Anatomic reconstructions of cerebral vessels as volume numerical grids at three-dimensional angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We present a relatively simple approach that physicians can use to reconstruct cerebral vessels as 3D numerical grids or computational replicas. The method accurately duplicates their geometry to provide computer simulations of their blood flow. METHODS: Initial images were obtained by using any medical imaging technique, such as MR angiography, CT angiography, or 3D digital subtraction angiography. The data were collected in DICOM format and converted by a DICOM reader into a 3D gray-scale raster image. The image was then processed by using commercial visualization and mesh generation software, which allowed extraction of the luminal surface of the blood vessel (by using the isosurfacing technique). The subsequent final output was an unstructured tetrahedral grid that can be directly used for detailed analysis of cerebral vascular geometry for patient-specific simulations of blood flow. RESULTS: Four examples of grid reconstruction and blood flow simulation for patients with ruptured aneurysms were validated with angiographic and operative findings. The ruptured areas were correlated with areas of high fluid-induced wall-shear stress. CONCLUSION: This approach promises to be a practical tool for planning treatment and follow-up of patients after neurosurgical or endovascular interventions with 3D angiography. The proposed commercial packages or conceptually similar ones seem to be relatively simple and suitable for direct use by neurosurgeons or neuroradiologists.