3-dimensional steady/unsteady blood flow in the circle of Willis

The objective of this research was to provide a better insight into the blood flow dynamics in healthy and diseased circle of Willis. A three-dimensional computational model is developed combining magnetic resonance data with computer-aided design software. The most important anatomical variations were simulated under both steady and unsteady flow conditions, and the distribution of blood flow rates and wall shear stresses were thus revealed. These results suggest that low wall shear stress is a hemodynamic factor in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. A methodology of cerebral hemodynamic modeling is proposed as a potential diagnostic tool for future clinic applications.