FSI Analysis of Delivery Catheter Impact on Carotid Artery in AIS

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a global health issue requiring effective treatments like mechanical thrombectomy. In the realm of in vivo neuro-interventional procedures, Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) analyses are increasingly employed to predict surgical outcomes and evaluate hemodynamic and biomechanical factors. This study focuses on investigating FSI between blood and a delivery catheter in AIS interventions within the carotid artery. The study utilizes a combination of Finite Element Method (FEM) and Finite Volume Method (FVM) to analyze the impact of the delivery catheter on blood flow patterns, wall shear stress distribution, and flow disturbances. The behavior of blood is represented using the Carreau fluid model, incorporating periodic and pulsatile boundary conditions. Through the examination of multiple randomly selected sections of the vessel, variations in hemodynamics before and after catheter placement are assessed. The findings reveal significant alterations in the hemodynamic profile of the carotid artery induced by the presence of the delivery catheter. These alterations manifest as changes in wall shear stress distribution and blood flow velocity. Moreover, the study explores the relationship between catheter geometry and flow characteristics. It is observed that the catheter model experiences stress imparted by blood flow, and such stress varies with the catheter diameter. This study holds significant implications for optimizing AIS interventions by providing valuable insights into the FSI dynamics between blood and a delivery catheter, informing the development of improved catheter designs and treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes.