Fluid Dynamics Simulation Analysis for Identifying Optimal Anastomosis Sites in Superficial Temporal Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass Surgery in Cerebrovascular Occlusive Disease

Abstract

This study investigated the hemodynamic effects of anastomosis site selection in superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery using computational fluid dynamics based on three-dimensional cerebral vascular models. By noninvasively reproducing blood flow changes that are difficult to evaluate in clinical settings, we visualized and quantified the effects of different bypass locations under both normal and stenotic conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to noninvasively evaluate the validity of anastomosis site selection in superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery using computational fluid dynamics simulation. The results demonstrated that factors, such as the distance from the anastomosis site to the target territory, flow direction, recipient vessel diameter, and pressure gradient, significantly influenced cerebral perfusion. In particular, bypass configurations that ensured antegrade flow, minimized the distance to the target region, and involved a larger recipient vessel diameter showed greater improvement in blood flow. These findings offer practical guidance for preoperative planning and are expected to contribute to the safer and more effective selection of bypass sites.