Patient‐Specific Cerebral Blood Flow Models in Predicting Internal Carotid Artery Stenting Flows

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose It is well known that the blood flow rate in the internal carotid artery (ICA) improves following a stenting procedure. Endovascular neurosurgeons are interested in estimating this flow increase prior to the interventions. This study uses patient‐specific cerebral blood flow models to predict post‐stenting ICA flow rates based on noninvasive quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (QMRA) measurements. Methods We utilized multi‐objective optimization models to calculate resistances at both vessel terminals and within the vessels themselves. These obtained resistances were then used to build patient‐specific cerebral blood flow models. Results We applied the optimization models to a cohort of 59 patients, demonstrating a high correlation (coefficient of 0.99) between the flow rates calculated by our models and those measured clinically. The cerebral blood flow models were further used to predict changes in blood flow rates in 16 patients with ICA stenosis following stent placement, showing a strong correlation (coefficient of 0.89) with clinical measurements. Conclusion Our models rely on simple linear equations that follow mass conservation and incorporate Hagen–Poiseuille's law for steady flow. Simplicity and adherence to fundamental principles ensure clinical practicality and easy interpretation for medical professionals.