An anatomy-based lumped parameter model of cerebrospinal venous circulation: can an extracranial anatomical change impact intracranial hemodynamics?

Background The relationship between extracranial venous system abnormalities and central nervous system disorders has been recently theorized. In this paper we delve into this hypothesis by modeling the venous drainage in brain and spinal column areas and simulating the intracranial flow changes due to extracranial morphological stenoses. Methods A lumped parameter model of the cerebro-spinal venous drainage was created based on anatomical knowledge and vessels diameters and lengths taken from literature. Each vein was modeled as a hydraulic resistance, calculated through Poiseuille’s law. The inputs of the model were arterial flow rates of the intracranial, vertebral and lumbar districts. The effects of the obstruction of the main venous outflows were simulated. A database comprising 112 Multiple Sclerosis patients (Male/Female = 42/70; median age ± standard deviation = 43.7 ± 10.5 years) was retrospectively analyzed. Results The flow rate of the main veins estimated with the model was similar to the measures of 21 healthy controls (Male/Female = 10/11; mean age ± standard deviation = 31 ± 11 years), obtained with a 1.5 T Magnetic Resonance scanner. The intracranial reflux topography predicted with the model in cases of internal jugular vein diameter reduction was similar to those observed in the patients with internal jugular vein obstacles. Conclusions The proposed model can predict physiological and pathological behaviors with good fidelity. Despite the simplifications introduced in cerebrospinal venous circulation modeling, the key anatomical feature of the lumped parameter model allowed for a detailed analysis of the consequences of extracranial venous impairments on intracranial pressure and hemodynamics

Experimental and Analytical Study of Free-Fall Drop Impact Testing of Portable Products

Portable products can suffer critical damage due to drop impact and thus, such load cases must be taken into account in the conceptual and detailed design phases of such products. One method explored in the current study for alleviating the peak accelerations resulting from impact is to isolate fragile components from the product housing using internal shock mounts. There is a lack of studies that address this method in a systematic and reliable manner. This paper presents an experimental and analytical study on the dynamic behaviour during impact of portable products with internal shock mounting. Using a special drop tower with guiding frame for controlled-angle free-fall drop impact, representative products are dropped at different angles and the acceleration is recorded both on the outer case and on an internally-mounted plate. A simplified analytical procedure, suitable for conceptual design purposes, is proposed for predicting the resulting dynamic response. The work affirms the suitability of guide-and-release facilities in impact experiments; additionally, it may facilitate the conceptual design for impact resistance of portable products.Design EngineeringIndustrial Design Engineerin