A new approach to model subarachoid trabeculae resistance in cerebrospinal fluid flow

The subarachnoid space (SAS) contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a variety of trabeculae that are arranged between the arachnoid mater and the pia layers of the meninges, which stabilizes the shape and the position of the brain during head movements. The complex geometry of subarachnoid trabeculae makes it extremely challenging for the researchers to model the role of them in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. The goal of this research is to investigate the role of subarachnoid trabeculae in CSF flow, and introduce an alternative model. Three fluid models were created: 1) a model with normal CSF properties, 2) a model with an equivalent fluid, and 3) a modified model having trabeculae as some flow-obstacles. It is found that the trabeculae yield smoother pressure response in a head impact simulation. The sudden pressure changes in SAS are mainly caused by the improvement of the trabeculae anatomy. The study showed that the presence of trabeculae should not be ignored, and the modified model could be used to show heterogeneous distribution of trabeculae in SAS.

Keywords:

component , Finite element modeling , subarachnoid space , subarachnoid trabeculae , cerebrospinal fluid