UCLA researchers have developed a virtual angiography system for aneurysm risk assessment that uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and patient-specific vascular reconstructions to identify unstable cerebral aneurysms. By simulating blood flow and contrast transport, the system produces virtual angiograms and calculates diagnostic metrics that quantify aneurysm instability, enabling precise and timely treatment decisions.
Cerebral aneurysms pose a serious health risk when unstable or ruptured, yet current diagnostic methods struggle to accurately identify which aneurysms are at imminent risk. Standard CT angiography and MR angiography provide structural imaging but lack dynamic flow information critical for predicting rupture. In cases with multiple aneurysms, distinguishing the unstable one is particularly difficult, delaying treatment and increasing patient risk. There is a pressing need for an imaging-based tool that integrates seamlessly into existing clinical workflows while providing actionable hemodynamic insights.
This invention leverages routine clinical imaging data (e.g., CT angiography) to reconstruct patient-specific 3D vascular models. Using CFD simulations, the system analyzes blood flow dynamics within the aneurysms and models contrast transport, producing virtual angiograms that highlight flow stagnation—an indicator of instability. The system introduces quantifiable diagnostic metrics, such as Transit Time Ratio (TTR) and Mean Residence Time Ratio (MRT), to assess the degree of flow abnormality. These metrics serve as biomarkers of aneurysm instability and rupture risk, guiding neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists toward more accurate treatment decisions.
Identifies unstable aneurysms with greater accuracy than standard imaging alone
Provides quantitative hemodynamic biomarkers (TTR, MRT) for rupture risk assessment
Enables rapid identification of the ruptured aneurysm in patients with multiple aneurysms
Predicts instability in unruptured aneurysms to guide preventive intervention
Uses commonly available imaging data (CT/MR angiography), requiring no new hardware
Integrates seamlessly into existing clinical workflows
Enhances decision-making in emergency and elective neurosurgical care
Emergency neurosurgical decision support for ruptured aneurysm cases
Predictive risk assessment for unruptured aneurysms
Pre-operative planning for neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists
Longitudinal monitoring of aneurysm patients for progression risk
Research tool for studying cerebral hemodynamics and aneurysm rupture mechanisms
Patient-specific modeling and CFD workflow established using CT angiography data
Virtual angiography and flow metrics validated against aneurysm cases
Demonstrated ability to differentiate ruptured aneurysms and predict instability