The influence of vortices on hemodynamics in blood vessels

Abstract

Blood flow in vessels is affected by several factors like vessel shape, blood thickness, and heart function. Swirling patterns of flow, called vortices, are often seen in blood vessels and can affect how blood flows. This study aims to understand how vortices affect blood flow and the reasons behind these changes. Different instruments, like particle image velocimetry (PIV), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were used to measure and analyze blood flow. CFD simulations were done using realistic blood vessel models to study how vortices form and how they affect blood velocity and pressure. The results show that vortices can cause significant changes in blood velocity and pressure, which can lead to changes in blood flow. The increased wall shear stress may contribute to the development of heart disease. This research highlights the importance of considering the impact of vortices on blood flow dynamics when designing and assessing cardiovascular devices and treatments.