IN-VITRO IMAGING OF BLOOD FLOW IN HUMAN CAROTID ARTERIES

摘要

Fluid mechanic forces play a key role in the early development and progression of arterial plaque and atherosclerosis. In the present study, two transparent, scaled models of an idealized (TF-AHCB) and an 63% stenosed (ST-AHCB) averaged human carotid artery bifurcation were constructed and blood flow was simulated with an aqueous glycerin solution. The flow field was steady and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements were carried out at Re=400 and Re=800. Velocity fields and wall shear stress (WSS) were measured in the plane of bifurcation and three axial planes in the carotid sinus. Flow in both models was three-dimensional with strong secondary streaming and the flow assuming a heliocoidal motion through the carotid bifurcation. At the throat of the stenosis a jet formed, which caused flow recirculation along the flow divider wall. WSS was measured along the inner and outer wall of the internal carotid artery and its spatial distribution differed greatly between the two models. In the TF-AHCB low WSS was found along the outer wall, whereas in the ST-AHCB low WSS was located along the flow divider wall and relatively high WSS along the outer wall.