LDV measurements in lateral model aneurysms of various sizes

 Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements are presented of three-dimensional flow fields in lateral model aneurysms arising from a straight parent vessel at a 90° angle. The flow considered was pulsatile and the aneurysm wall was rigid. The mean, peak, and minimal Reynolds numbers based on the bulk average velocity and diameter of the parent vessel were 550, 790, and 375, respectively. Comparisons among present in vitro studies, previous in vitro studies, computational simulations, and in vivo studies were made. It was found that the inflow angle into the lateral aneurysm, the maximum wall shear stress acting on the distal lip of the lateral aneurysm, and the intra-aneurysmal vortical motion increased with decreasing aneurysm size. This fact together with the impingement bifurcation of the inflow at the aneurysm dome provide possible hemodynamic factors for the rupture of the lateral aneurysm at small critical size. Received: 15 March 1996/Accepted: 13 March 1997