Subject-specific blood flow simulation in the human carotid artery bifurcation

摘要

Pulsatile blood flow in the human carotid artery bifurcation has been simulated by solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Subject-specific data were obtained from two volunteers. Three-dimensional vascular geometry was extracted from magnetic resonance imaging scans and periodic velocity profiles were constructed using Doppler ultrasonography and used as boundary conditions. Flow separation and associated reversed wall shear stress were observed in some bifurcations. Even mild stenoses that do not affect the overall blood flow were associated with a significant local flow alteration.