Hemodynamic Phenomena in Fusiform Aneurysms - I: Steady Flow Conditions

Pressure and flow distributions are reported at different steady flows for four latex fusiform aneurysm models. The accuracy of results by pitot-static techniques is examined in terms of experimental evidence and theoretical considerations. Results indicate that pressure distributions are associated with the Reynolds number, the degree of wall divergence and the degree of dilation of the sac, and that these parameters are interactive. The Reynolds number was found to have some predictive value for pressure distribution in the aneurysm, but the Bernoulli principle, based on geometrical variation and laminar flow, was usually inapplicable. Also, disturbed flow (eddies, reversal, turbulence) can occur as functions of the interactive parameters.