Effect of Head Rotation at the Prone Position on the Geometric Features of the Healthy Carotid Bifurcation

摘要

The influence of posture change on the geometry and hemodynamics of the carotid bifurcation has not been thoroughly studied [1,2,3], Such changes may alter the hemodynamic variables that are generally associated with the development of atherosclerosis, such as low oscillating wall shear stress (WSS) and particle residence times. Glor et al. (2004) had reported changes in the right carotid bifurcation geometry with leftward rotation of the head. We have previously reported that geometric differences in the right and left carotid bifurcation occur with a rightward rotation of the head [3], To investigate the geometric changes in the carotid geometry that occur in the prone sleeping position with rightward head rotation, we have performed studies in 10 healthy young volunteers. We defined specific geometric parameters of the carotid bifurcation, such as bifurcation angle, asymmetry angle, planarity angle, tortuosity and mean curvature, and compared their corresponding values in two head postures: 1) the supine neutral position, and 2) the prone sleeping position with head rotation to the right (~80 degrees).