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Geometric classification of the carotid siphon: association between geometry and stenoses

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Abstract

Purpose

The development of intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenoses may be associated with the morphology of the siphon. The aim is to quantitatively characterize the geometry of ICA, and develop a classifier of the ICA shape in relation to the location and incidence of stenoses.

Methods

The ICA geometry from 74 subjects was analyzed by means of image-based computational techniques. The siphon was split into two bends, and was described in terms of curvature radius, radius of vessel, angle of bending, and length. Differences of geometry between ICA classes were assessed in control group, consisted of 30 subjects without stenoses. In stenosed group, the association between the ICA classes and the incidence of stenoses were investigated and validated by hemodynamic simulation.

Results

The curvature radius and angle of the posterior bend were significantly different between ICA classes, as well as the angle between the two bends. An innovative classifier was developed with the three geometric parameters. The ICA classification was found associated with the incidence of stenoses at the siphon.

Conclusions

Geometric factors relative to the ICA were correlated with the location and incidence of stenoses at the siphon. The present work has potential implications in the quest for hemodynamic factors contributing to the initiation and progression of intracranial ICA stenoses.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 61190123, 10925208).

Conflict of interest

This study has no conflict of interest to report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Lab of Virtual Reality of Technology and Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    Fang Pu, Yubo Fan & Deyu Li

  2. Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People’s Republic of China

    Chi Zhang, Fang Pu, Shuyu Li, Yubo Fan & Deyu Li

  3. China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    Sheng Xie

Authors
  1. Chi Zhang
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  2. Fang Pu
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  3. Shuyu Li
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  4. Sheng Xie
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  5. Yubo Fan
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  6. Deyu Li
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Correspondence to Yubo Fan or Deyu Li.

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Zhang, C., Pu, F., Li, S. et al. Geometric classification of the carotid siphon: association between geometry and stenoses. Surg Radiol Anat 35, 385–394 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-1042-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-1042-8

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