Experimental and numerical modelling of flow in the human cerebral arteries

The paper presents the results of experiments concerning flow in the model of cerebral supplying arteries and the Circle of Willis (CW). Vascular phantom was prepared on the basis of anatomical specimens. The most typical artery shapes and dimensions were considered. Pressure distribution in 6 characteristic points is provided, and so are the average flow rates in the anterior, middle and posterior section of the brain. Tests were run in the conditions replicating the physiological state (i.e. when the supplying arteries were fully patent) and in pathological conditions, in which the internal carotid and vertebral arteries were occluded on one or both sides. Thus obtained results were compared with the results of computer simulations based on linear and non-linear flow models. To estimate the non-linear resistance of vascular segment two phenomenological formulae were proposed. High degree of correlation between the values obtained from experiments and those registered in non-linear computer model proves usefulness of proposed formulae. It verifies the hypothesis that nonlinearity of flow characteristics of the vessel segments is to a great extent caused by their tortuous and small length in relation to diameter. Non-linear effects are particularly pronounced in conditions of pathological occlusion of supplying vessels