Multiscale Collateral Blood Supply in Whole-Brain Arterial Networks

What is it about?

The study developed a computational model of multiscale anastomoses in whole-brain-scale cerebral arterial networks to evaluate collateral blood supply during middle cerebral artery occlusion. The model used validated cerebral arterial networks with sparse intermediate anastomoses and dense pial networks. Results showed that intermediate anastomoses can function as collateral pathways during main cerebral arterial occlusion, even in small numbers, providing one-order-higher flow recoveries to the occluded region. The study also identified two characteristics of collateral blood supply by anastomoses: sufficient collateral blood supply in the upstream direction for global flow recoveries and moderate localization of high flow recovery areas around anastomoses. These findings indicate that sparse intermediate anastomoses are capable of providing robust cerebral blood perfusion in acute infarction and may influence the extent of ischemic penumbra and subsequent prognosis after cerebral infarction. [Some of the content on this page has been created by AI]

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it sheds light on the physiological significance of the multiscale morphological properties of arterial anastomoses, particularly the intermediate anastomoses, in the context of acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. Understanding the role of intermediate anastomoses in collateral blood supply can help improve prognosis and treatment strategies for stroke patients. Key Takeaways: 1. Sparse intermediate anastomoses, which are generally considered redundant structures in cerebral infarction, play an essential role in providing robust cerebral blood perfusion during acute infarction. 2. The study demonstrates that even in small numbers, intermediate anastomoses can function as collateral pathways during main cerebral arterial occlusion, providing one-order-higher flow recoveries to the occluded region compared to simulations using pial arterial networks only. 3. The research highlights the importance of considering the multiscale properties of arterial anastomoses in understanding cerebral blood perfusion and developing treatment strategies for stroke patients. 4. Further research is needed to address the limitations of the study, such as the difficulty in patient-specific measurements of arterial anastomoses and the need for a better understanding of the relative effects of different tiers of anastomoses in various conditions.