Coupling the Haemodynamic Environment to the Evolution of Cerebral Aneurysms

Cerebral aneurysms are thought to be present in 2–5% of the general population. Most aneurysms remain asymptomatic and of those that are detected, the risk of rupture is relatively low, i.e. 0.1–1% per year. However, very high morbidity and mortality rates are associated with an aneurysm that does rupture (30–50%). Consequently, elective repair of an aneurysm at high risk of rupture may be deemed appropriate. Unfortunately, interventional procedures are themselves not without risk and have morbidity rates of up to 6%. Moreover, it is difficult to quantify the risk of rupture on a patient specific basis: more sophisticated diagnostic criteria are required. Computational models of aneurysm evolution aim to improve the understanding of the aetiology of the disease. The ultimate aim is to predict future evolution and rupture.