Computational analysis of indicator functions for intimal thickening in branching blood vessels

摘要

Intimal thickening and thrombi formation in medium to large blood vessels due to atherosclerotic lesions and/or intimal hyperplasia are the leading causes of death in the western world. Balloon angioplasty with stenting, bypass surgery and patch reconstruction are some of the mechanical techniques currently applied to reopen or bypass occluded blood vessels. Thus, it is of interest to develop suitable indicator functions which encapsulate aggravating flow patterns, in order to determine susceptible sites of intimal thickening and/or thrombi formation. These indicator functions are then applied in four case studies to interprete experimental/clinical data of intimal thickening and design blood vessel geometries which potentially improve long-term patency rates.