Predictive Methods for Thrombus Formation in the Treatment of Aortic Dissection and Cerebral Aneurysms: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Thrombus formation plays a crucial role in the clinical treatment of certain diseases. In conditions such as aortic dissection and cerebral aneurysm, complete thrombus occlusion in the affected region is desired to reduce blood flow into the false lumen or aneurysm sac, leading to a decrease in the tension exerted on the vascular wall and making it less likely to rupture. However, desired thrombosis sometimes fails to occur. Predicting thrombus formation can provide valuable information in such cases. This article offers a comprehensive review of conventional methods for predicting thrombus formation. In reviews conducted from the year 2000 to the present, the number of published related papers every five years has increased more than tenfold. We also found that the predictive methods can be classified into two categories: those based on the hemodynamic evaluation parameters and those based on hemodynamic and mathematical models that simulate the transport and reaction of blood components. Through our discussions, we identified several challenges that need to be resolved, including predictions based on patient-specific condition, model validation, multi-scale problems, the mechanisms of thrombus formation, and ensuring cost effectiveness. This review aims to guide researchers interested in exploring thrombus formation prediction within clinical treatments.