CFD-driven optimization and experimental validation of venturi-based thrombectomy devices in a circle of willis.
IF, Z., X, W., H, H., & X, M. (2026). CFD-driven optimization and experimental validation of venturi-based thrombectomy devices in a circle of willis.. Scientific reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-52832-w
IF Z, X W, H H, X M. CFD-driven optimization and experimental validation of venturi-based thrombectomy devices in a circle of willis.. Scientific reports. 2026; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-52832-w
IF Z, X W, H H, et al. CFD-driven optimization and experimental validation of venturi-based thrombectomy devices in a circle of willis.[J]. Scientific reports. 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-52832-w.
@article{if2026,
author = {Zidane IF and Wang X and He H and Ma X},
title = {CFD-driven optimization and experimental validation of venturi-based thrombectomy devices in a circle of willis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-52832-w},
note = {PMID: 42315859},
}
TY - JOUR AU - Zidane IF AU - Wang X AU - He H AU - Ma X TI - CFD-driven optimization and experimental validation of venturi-based thrombectomy devices in a circle of willis. T2 - Scientific reports PY - 2026 DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-52832-w AN - PMID:42315859 ER -
The geometry of the Circle of Willis poses major challenges for mechanical thrombectomy, where device navigability and effective thrombus removal determine treatment success. This study investigated the performance of venturi-inspired aspiration thrombectomy devices in a simplified cerebral artery segment representative of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), a frequent site of occlusion. Five designs (30°, 45°, 60° venturi, 7/11° taper, and cylindrical control) were assessed using a combined computational-experimental framework. On the computational side, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulations were performed in ANSYS Fluent 19.2 with k-ε turbulence closure. Blood-clot interactions were modeled using a Volume of Fluid (VOF) multiphase formulation with Carreau-Yasuda non-Newtonian rheology. In vitro, stereolithography-fabricated prototypes were tested with porcine thrombi in silicone arterial phantoms. CFD predicted extraction times of 2.12 s for the control and 1.64 s for the 45° venturi, with efficiency plateauing beyond 45°. Experimental results confirmed this trend, showing the 45° design as optimal and all venturi devices outperforming the control. Fragmentation analysis revealed a trade-off, with the 60° venturi producing more than twice the fragments of the 30°. These findings demonstrate that venturi taper geometry critically influences aspiration efficiency and fragmentation and establish CFD-experiment integration as a foundation for optimizing next-generation thrombectomy devices.