Detection of bridging veins rupture and subdural haematoma onset using a finite element head model

Abstract

Background: One of the most severe traumatic brain injuries, the subdural haematoma, is related to damage and rupture of the bridging veins, generating an abnormal collection of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid mater. Current numerical models of these vessels rely on very simple geometries and material laws, limiting its accuracy and bio-fidelity.

Methods: In this work, departing from an existing human head numerical model, a realistic geometry for the bridging veins was developed, devoting special attention to the finite elements type employed. A novel and adequate constitutive model including damage behavior was also successfully implemented.

Findings: Results attest that vessel tearing onset was correctly captured, after comparison against experiments on cadavers.

Interpretation: Doing so, the model allow to precisely predict the individual influence of kinematic parameters such as the pulse duration, linear and rotational accelerations in promoting vessel tearing.

Keywords: Biomechanics; Bridging veins; Damage modeling; Finite elements; Head model; Subdural haematoma.