For years, Interventional Neuroradiologists have relied on flow diverters (FDs) to treat intracranial aneurysms, but a key challenge has remained: accurately assessing local porosity to ensure the best treatment outcomes. A recent study has  provided a robust comparative analysis of three methodologies for porosity assessment—2D microscopy, 3D Dyna-CT imaging, and computational simulations using ANKYRAS software. The research demonstrates a high degree of agreement among these methodologies, validating their utility for both pre-procedural planning and post-implantation assessment.—offering new possibilities for personalized, patient-specific aneurysm treatment.

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"Flow diverters have revolutionized aneurysm treatment, but understanding their exact porosity in a patient’s unique vascular anatomy is critical to predicting treatment success," explains Laura Obradó, a lead researcher on the study. "With this research, we’ve shown that both imaging and simulation tools can provide clinicians with reliable insights into FD porosity, both before and after implantation."

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Comparing Methodologies: A Robust Validation Study

The study aimed to determine whether different techniques for measuring FD porosity yield consistent results. Three methods were systematically compared:

• 2D Microscopy – A high-resolution technique used for direct assessment of the FD’s structural properties but limited in its ability to analyze devices in three-dimensional vascular environments.
• 3D Dyna-CT Imaging – A volumetric imaging modality capable of capturing porosity in real-world, patient-specific anatomical contexts.
• ANKYRAS Computational Simulation – A predictive software application that enables pre-treatment modeling of FD porosity, offering valuable insights into device behavior prior to implantation.
  

The results? A strong agreement between all three methods, confirming that simulations and imaging techniques can work hand in hand to provide an accurate picture of FD behavior.
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"Seeing such strong correlation between these techniques is exciting," says Ignacio Larrabide. "It validates the idea that pre-procedural computational simulations, such as those performed with ANKYRAS, can be a powerful tool in treatment planning. This could mean fewer surprises during procedures and better outcomes for patients."

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‍The Role of ANKYRAS in Optimizing Aneurysm Treatment

One of the most exciting aspects of this research is the potential for pre-treatment computational simulations to optimize flow diverter placement and predict porosity outcomes before intervention. ANKYRAS enables clinicians to model FD deployment within patient-specific cases, helping to fine-tune treatment plans and minimize procedural variability.
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"Every aneurysm presents unique challenges, and the ability to standardize FD porosity assessment and adjust treatment plans beforehand can be a game-changer," says Dr Jordi Blasco. "This study supports the idea that we can use ANKYRAS simulations to model porosity in a specific patient’s anatomy before implantation, ensuring the best possible flow diversion effect."
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The validated methodologies outlined in this study reinforce the clinical relevance of ANKYRAS by providing:

• Pre-procedural Optimization: Clinicians can predict FD porosity and adjust treatment strategies accordingly.
• Real-time Imaging Validation: 3D imaging serves as a post-implantation verification tool, ensuring the desired porosity has been achieved.
• Personalized Patient Care: The integration of simulation and imaging allows for tailored treatment approaches, potentially improving long-term outcomes.
  

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‍Future Directions and Clinical Impact

This research marks a significant step forward in the field of neurointervention, as it bridges the gap between theoretical porosity modeling and real-world clinical application. Future studies will further investigate the role of simulation-enhanced treatment planning, with an emphasis on refining predictive algorithms and improving integration with real-time imaging modalities.
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"With continued advancements in computational modeling and imaging technology, we are moving toward a future where aneurysm treatment is not only reactive but also highly predictive," notes Dr. Juan Macho. "By leveraging validated methodologies, we can ensure that each patient receives the most effective and individualized treatment possible."

By integrating ANKYRAS into clinical workflows, neuro interventionists can now enhance procedural planning, improve device selection, and refine treatment outcomes—supporting personalized patient care.

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Learn more about the study and Ankyras:  

• Read the full publication
• Explore Ankyras and Mentice's solutions  
• Contact us for personalized guidance on achieving your neurovascular care goals.  

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About the Research Team  
This study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts in neurointervention, biomedical engineering, and computational modeling, dedicated to advancing intracranial aneurysm treatment. The researchers bring together expertise from leading institutions in medical imaging, hemodynamic simulations, and flow diverter technology, ensuring a comprehensive and rigorous approach to assessing FD porosity.

The team includes Laura Obradó, Santiago Estevez-Areco, Romina Muñoz, Hector Fernandez, Luis San Roman, Jordi Blasco, Antonio Lopez-Rueda, Juan Macho, Javier Moreno & Ignacio Larrabide, whose collective work focuses on improving device optimization, treatment planning, and patient-specific interventions.  

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_{Acknowledgment
To ensure clarity and alignment with the latest clinical literature, AI-based language modelling tools were used to assist in structuring and summarizing key findings. All references were manually validated for accuracy.}