RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Toward Better Understanding of Flow Diversion in Bifurcation Aneurysms JF American Journal of Neuroradiology JO Am. J. Neuroradiol. FD American Society of Neuroradiology SP 2278 OP 2283 DO 10.3174/ajnr.A5874 VO 39 IS 12 A1 M. Shapiro A1 A. Shapiro A1 E. Raz A1 T. Becske A1 H. Riina A1 P.K. Nelson YR 2018 UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/39/12/2278.abstract AB BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow diversion is being increasingly used to treat bifurcation aneurysms. Empiric approaches have generally led to encouraging results, and a growing body of animal and ex vivo literature addresses the fate of target aneurysms and covered branches. Our prior investigations highlighted the dynamic nature of metal coverage provided by the Pipeline Embolization Device and suggested strategies for creating optimal single and multidevice constructs. We now address the geometric and hemodynamic aspects of jailing branch vessels and neighboring target aneurysms.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fundamental electric and fluid dynamics principles were applied to generate equations describing the relationships between changes in flow and the degree of vessel coverage in settings of variable collateral support to the jailed territory. Given the high complexity of baseline and posttreatment fluid dynamics, in vivo, we studied a simplified hypothetic system with minimum assumptions to generate the most conservative outcomes.RESULTS: In the acute setting, Pipeline Embolization Devices modify flow in covered branches, principally dependent on the amount of coverage, the efficiency of collateral support, and intrinsic resistance of the covered parenchymal territory. Up to 30% metal coverage of any branch territory is very likely to be well-tolerated regardless of device or artery size or the availability of immediate collateral support, provided, however, that no acute thrombus forms to further reduce jailed territory perfusion.CONCLUSIONS: Basic hemodynamic principles support the safety of branch coverage during aneurysm treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device. Rational strategies to build bifurcation constructs are feasible.FDflow diverterPcomAposterior communicating arteryPEDPipeline Embolization Device