Computational models to predict stenosis growth in carotid arteries: Which is the role of boundary conditions?

Authors: Balossino, R.¹; Pennati, G.¹; Migliavacca, F.¹; Formaggia, L.²; Veneziani, A.²; Tuveri, M.³; Dubini, G.¹

Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Volume 12, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 113-123(11)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Abstract:

This work addresses the problem of prescribing proper boundary conditions at the artificial boundaries that separate the vascular district from the remaining part of the circulatory system. A multiscale (MS) approach is used where the Navier-Stokes equations for the district of interest are coupled to a non-linear system of ordinary differential equations which describe the circulatory system. This technique is applied to three 3D models of a carotid bifurcation with increasing stenosis resembling three phases of a plaque growth. The results of the MS simulations are compared to those obtained by two stand-alone models. The MS shows a great flexibility in numerically predicting the haemodynamic changes due to the presence of a stenosis. Nonetheless, the results are not significantly different from a stand-alone approach where flows derived by the MS without stenosis are imposed. This is a consequence of the dominant role played by the outside districts with respect to the stenosis resistance.

Keywords: multiscale models; haemodynamics; Navier-Stokes equations; carotid artery bifurcation; stenosis; boundary conditions

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10255840802356691

Affiliations: 1: LaBS - Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Structural Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy 2: MOX - Modeling and Scientific Computing, Department of Mathematics “F. Brioschi”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy 3: Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

Publication date: 2009-02-01

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