Computer Simulations of Coronary Blood Flow Through a Constriction

摘要

Stenoses (blockages) in coronary arteries cause heart attack, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks as the leading cause of death among American adults. We have performed computer simulations in order to understand the flow patterns due to stenoses with and without a guidewire used for interventional procedures (e.g., stent deployment). Building off previous models that have been partially validated with experimental data, this thesis continues to develop the models in order to further evaluate fluid characteristics for cardiovascular applications. Reasonable agreement occurs between computational and experimental data. This work is done in preparation for future research to develop a microelectromechanical system capable of monitoring blood flow and aiding in medical diagnoses.