PIV INVESTIGATION OF CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID FLOW IN THE CEREBRAL VENTRICULAR SYSTEM

摘要

In order to characterize the flow of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) within the third ventricle and cerebral aqueduct of a healthy adult, an in vitro steady flow loop is developed. Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology is used to create a geometrically realistic ventricular model. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is used to obtain 2D velocity vector maps of the flow in the mid-sagittal plane of the model for the cranio-caudal as well as caudo-cranial flow directions. CSF steady flow rates used correspond to the physiological flow rate range. The PIV results demonstrate that the highest velocities occur in the mid-aqueduct region of the test section and the lowest velocities occur in a dead zone located in the antero-inferior region of the third ventricle. In the case of cranio-caudal flow, the results show a relatively small recirculation region located adjacent to a downward jet resulting from the influx of CSF from the Foramen of Monro. The results of this study have implications with respect to pathophysiology of hydrocephalus, mechanisms of CSF diversion in shunt surgery and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV), targeted drug delivery via CSF, and verification of CFD models of CSF flow.