The Brain’s Hidden Power: Self-Healing Aneurysms

Ever wondered if your brain has the ability to heal itself? In this episode, we delve into a medical mystery that feels like science fiction: the phenomenon of spontaneous thrombosis, where brain aneurysms may naturally seal themselves off. Discover how researchers are using advanced computer modelling with virtual patients to explore this incredible process.

We explain the basics of aneurysms, likening them to weak spots in a garden hose, and explore how size and shape affect their ability to self-heal. Larger and taller aneurysms are more prone to clotting due to slower blood flow, much like a still pond versus a rushing river.

Intriguingly, high blood pressure might actually hinder this self-repair process by creating turbulent blood flow. Through a detailed study of a virtual patient's aneurysm, researchers found that high blood pressure increases the shear rate, making clot formation less likely.

Join us as we explore the potential for leveraging the brain's natural healing abilities to treat aneurysms, moving towards a future where treatment is less invasive and more aligned with the body's innate capabilities. This research opens the door to personalized medicine and new hope for medical breakthroughs.

 

Liu Q, Sarrami-Foroushani A, Wang Y, MacRaild M, Kelly C, Lin F, Xia Y, Song S, Ravikumar N, Patankar T, Taylor ZA, Lassila T, Frangi AF. Hemodynamics of thrombus formation in intracranial aneurysms: An in silico observational study. APL Bioeng. 2023 Jul 7;7(3):036102. doi: 10.1063/5.0144848.