Mathematical and Multi scale Modeling of Human Carotid Artery Bifurcation

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading global health concern, affecting approximately 17.1 million people annually, with atherosclerosis being its primary cause. This study investigates the hemodynamic characteristics of blood flow in the human carotid artery using computational fluid dynamics models. By employing 2D and 3D models of carotid artery bifurcations developed in ANSYS 19.1, the study explores the relationship between arterial geometry, flow dynamics, and the progression of vascular diseases. Governing equations of fluid mechanics were solved using finite volume and finite element methods to simulate realistic blood flow behavior under physiological conditions. newlineA key focus of the research was the impact of arterial geometry on hemodynamics, with three models designed to evaluate variations in bifurcation angles and sinus shapes. Model 1 featured a 33° bifurcation angle with a normal sinus, Model 2 had a 45° angle with an elliptical sinus, and Model 3 incorporated a 63.3° angle with a cylindrical sinus. Simulations revealed that variations in geometry significantly influence velocity distribution, pressure, WSS and OSI identifying regions in the carotid sinus as high-risk zones for atherosclerotic plaque formation due to low WSS. newlineThe study also incorporated non-Newtonian blood rheology, modeling blood flow using Carreau, power-law, Casson, and Quemada models. Results emphasized the importance of non-Newtonian behavior in capturing accurate flow characteristics, particularly in low-shear regions associated with plaque development. Among the models, the Quemada model demonstrated the greatest variation in time-averaged WSS, highlighting its relevance for analyzing atherosclerosis-prone areas. newlineFurthermore, the effects of turbulent flow and arterial stiffness on hemodynamic parameters were analyzed using the kand#8722;and#949; and kand#8722;and#969; turbulence models. Variations in arterial stiffness were modeled with Young s modulus values of 0.9 MPa and 1.106 MPa. The kand#8722;and#969; model, paired with a Young s modulus of 0.9 MPa, showed signi