Numerical Analysis of Plaque Progression in 3D Patient Specific Model of Carotid Artery

摘要

The main purpose of this study was to computationally examine the hemodynamic parameters of plaque progression within carotid artery, such as wall shear stress and plaque concentration. The 3D finite element mesh was created for a patient-specific anatomical geometry which was reconstructed on the basis of computed tomography (CT) scan images. The 3D blood flow was governed by the Navier-Stokes equations and continuity equation. Mass transfer within the blood lumen and through the arterial wall was coupled with the blood flow and modelled by the convection-diffusion equation. Kedem-Katchalsky equations described low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transport in lumen of the vessel. Two time periods were considered (baseline and follow-up). The results of the analyzes have shown that zones with lower shear stress values were correlated with the zones of plaque accumulation and progression. This was confirmed at the follow-up, where simulation results had shown that carotid lumen was reduced due to plaque progression. This type of numerical simulations has become significant support to medicine, due to capability to determine the zone of plaque appearance and predict its further progression.