Experimental test setup CSF Biomechanics

Based on an in-depth literature review a concept for an anatomical phantom model was developed which enables the examination of hydrodynamics of the craniospinal system. It is known, that factors such as reduced compliance, flow and absorption resistance or blood pulsation have a measurable influence on the phantom model’s CSF dynamic. Therefore these factors are all adjustable designed. Furthermore the integration of flow and pressure sensors ensures model validation in comparison with data of literature reviews and allows sensitivity analysis.

More information on the concept of the setup and its validation can be found in:

• A. Benninghaus: Untersuchung der kraniospinalen Liquordynamik zur Therapie des Normaldruckhydrocephalus. RWTH Publications, 2025 [DOI: 10.18154/RWTH-2025-00457]
• A. Benninghaus, O. Balédent, A. Lokossou, C. Castelar, S. Leonhardt & K. Radermacher: Enhanced in vitro model of the CSF dynamics. Fluids and barriers of the CNS, 2019, 16(1), pp. 1-11 [DOI: 10.1186/s12987-019-0131-z]
• A. Benninghaus, C. Goffin, S. Leonhardt & K. Radermacher: Functional modeling of the craniospinal system for in-vitro parameter studies on the pathogenesis of NPH. Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering, 2017, 3(2), pp. 825-828 [DOI: 10.1515/cdbme-2017-0173]

The main goals of our ongoing research are the sensitivity analyses of the blood dynamics, the dynamic compliance behavior, the changed resistances (stenosis), the influence of hydrostatics and the integration of production and an adjustable absorption.