A Predictive Model of Thrombus Growth in Stenosed Vessels with Dynamic Geometries

Abstract

This paper introduces a dynamic model of platelet-rich thrombus growth in stenosed vessels using computational fluid dynamics methods. Platelet adhesion, aggregation and activation kinetics are modeled by solving mass transport equations for blood components involved in thrombosis. Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation is used to model the growing thrombi with variable geometry. The wall boundaries are discretely moved based on the amount of platelet deposition that occurs on vessel wall. To emulate the dynamic behavior of platelet adhesion kinetics during thrombus growth, a validated model for platelet adhesion, which calculates platelet-surface adhesion rates as a function of stenosis severity and Reynolds number, is applied to the model. Results of the present model for vessel occlusion times and platelet deposition in stenosed region are compared to ex vivo and in vitro experimental data. The model successfully predicts the nonlinear growth of thrombi in the stenosed area. These simulations provide a useful guideline to understand the effect of growing thrombus on thrombus growth rate, platelet activation kinetics and recurrence of embolism in highly stenosed arteries.