Mechanics and mechanobiology of intracranial aneurysms

Rupture of intracranial aneurysms, either fusiform or saccular in shape, associates with significant morbidity and mortality. The progressive enlargement and eventual rupture of these lesions depends strongly on the associated mechanics and mechanobiology. In this paper, we review results from past biomechanical analyses of intracranial aneurysms and highlight lessons learned in the general area of vascular mechanobiology with the goal of guiding future research.