Preoperative Planning of Pipeline Embolization Device Sizing Using Finite Element Method

Flow diverters revolutionized the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, the flow diverter procedure requires intense training to optimize sizing and delivery and prevent potential complications. A better understanding of the medical devices’ biomechanical interaction with patient anatomy is necessary to optimize device selection and prevent possible complications. We propose a virtual treatment model to evaluate the contact pressure between the flow diverter and vascular wall at the preoperative planning phase. The current model can simulate flow diverter devices deployment on patient-specific vascular anatomy and analyzed forces. For the present case, the radial force rate at the distal portion of the deployed stent was 0.74 N/mm, compared with 0.50 N/mm at the proximal part. The result indicates a correlation of radial force with lumen diameter and shape. Additionally, the current study offers an analytical treatment model to evaluate the metal coverage ratio. Utilizing these models can also apply to other self-expanding braided stents.