Computational Modeling of the Canine Middle Cerebral Artery During Localized Hypothermia Stroke Treatment

Stroke is caused by an interruption of brain blood supply and is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Each year 795,000 people experience a new stroke, of which 87% are ischemic [1]. The primary goal in stroke treatment is restoring blood flow in the effected regions of the brain, typically by using mechanical thrombectomy devices. However, after blood flow is restored, additional damage can occur in the form of reperfusion injury. Studies have shown that up to 50% of cell death from an ischemic event occurs as a result of reperfusion injury in cardiac patients [2].