Simulation Of Blood Flow Research Articles

The thermal behavior of blood flow in the arteries with various radii and various stenosis angles using non-Newtonian Sisko model

In this work, the FVM method is employed to simulate blood flow behavior within stenosis arteries based on the non-Newtonian Sisko model by using UDF in Fluent. Stenosis is simulated in cone geometry, and influences of different angles of stenosis with different artery radii are studied on the Nusselt number and temperature of blood flow. It is observed that with increasing angles of stenosis and reducing internal radius, the artery is narrowed, which results in enhancement of Nusselt number of blood flow. Thus, the temperature of blood flow is reduced. Also, applying heat fluxes of q“ = 400 W/m2, q” = 800 W/m2, and q“ = 1000 W/m2 prepare temperature enhancement as much as 0.44 K, 0.89 K, and 1.15 K respectively which are important from a medical viewpoint. The maximum temperature is reported as much as 38.2 °C by applying heat flux of q” = 1000 W/m2, which is noticeable for the human body healthy, especially for the function of enzymes and other proteins of the body. Also, with increasing angles of stenosis and reducing internal radius, the artery is tightened and velocity of blood fluid is enhanced which affects blood circulation between tissues and the oxygenation process, temperature variation, and heat transfer alteration of blood flow within the human body. In reality, circulation of blood transfers heat between tissues, and the dimensions of the blood vessels are various, whenever more blood is needed in some vessels of the body due to more activity, these blood vessels expand to supply the required blood while other vessels tight to compensate it. Therefore, present mechanical research is applicable for medical science especially in surgical widening of a blocked or narrowed blood vessel.

Fluid Structure Interaction Analysis of Aorta Using OpenFOAM and CalculiX

Currently, biomechanical simulations of blood vessels and organs are widely used in medical research, and it is expected to realize rapid and accurate medical diagnosis by personalized biological simulations for each individual using high-speed and high-precision 3D modeling of the body internal geometry by Multi Detector-row Computed Tomography (MDCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In particular, biomechanical simulation approach using Open Source Software (OSS) has been developed for use in the medical field, and recently, its application to more challenging multiphysics simulation has been studied. However, OSS has many issues such as assurance of accuracy and validity of the analysis, the computation time and stability of Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI), and the lack of analysis functions for complex phenomena. In particular, blood flow simulation using OpenFOAM, a fluid analysis OSS, has issues in the representation of blood pressure changes caused by pulsation and body movement, and the stability of coupled analysis in conjunction with other structural analysis software. In this study, we added the Windkessel model, which is one of the models for expressing blood pressure changes, to OpenFOAM and developed a two-way coupled multi-physics simulation approach using OpenFOAM and CalculiX. As an example of personalized biomechanical simulation, we applied the method to simulate blood flow in the thoracic aorta and evaluated its effectiveness.

Numerical biomechanics modelling of indirect mitral annuloplasty treatments for functional mitral regurgitation.

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular heart disease where an improper closure leads to leakage from the left ventricle into the left atrium. There is a need for less-invasive treatments such as percutaneous repairs for a large inoperable patient population. The aim of this study is to compare several indirect mitral annuloplasty (IMA) percutaneous repair techniques by finite-element analyses. Two types of generic IMA devices were considered, based on coronary sinus vein shortening (IMA-CS) to reduce the annulus perimeter and based on shortening of the anterior–posterior diameter (IMA-AP). The disease, its treatments, and the heart function post-repair were modelled by modifying the living heart human model (Dassault Systèmes). A functional MR pathology that represents ischaemic MR was generated and the IMA treatments were simulated in it, followed by heart function simulations with the devices and leakage quantification from blood flow simulations. All treatments were able to reduce leakage, the IMA-AP device achieved better sealing, and there was a correlation between the IMA-CS device length and the reduction in leakage. The results of this study can help in bringing IMA-AP to market, expanding the use of IMA devices, and optimizing future designs of such devices.

A geometric multiscale model for the numerical simulation of blood flow in the human left heart

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>We present a new computational model for the numerical simulation of blood flow in the human left heart. To this aim, we use the Navier-Stokes equations in an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation to account for the endocardium motion and we model the cardiac valves by means of the Resistive Immersed Implicit Surface method. To impose a physiological displacement of the domain boundary, we use a 3D cardiac electromechanical model of the left ventricle coupled to a lumped-parameter (0D) closed-loop model of the remaining circulation. We thus obtain a one-way coupled electromechanics-fluid dynamics model in the left ventricle. To extend the left ventricle motion to the endocardium of the left atrium and to that of the ascending aorta, we introduce a preprocessing procedure according to which an harmonic extension of the left ventricle displacement is combined with the motion of the left atrium based on the 0D model. To better match the 3D cardiac fluid flow with the external blood circulation, we couple the 3D Navier-Stokes equations to the 0D circulation model, obtaining a multiscale coupled 3D-0D fluid dynamics model that we solve via a segregated numerical scheme. We carry out numerical simulations for a healthy left heart and we validate our model by showing that meaningful hemodynamic indicators are correctly reproduced.</p>

Experimental and numerical analysis of blood flow in roughness impact-R test

Purpose The present study covers simulation of blood flow in a roughness impact R test model to anticipate the hemodynamic conditions of adhesion of blood elements to the modified surface. It was performed using numerical modelling of this process. The aim of these simulations is to create a surface morphology that stimulates the adhesion of blood elements to the surface of base plate of impact R test. Methods The morphology of base plate of impact R test was developed using a vacuum powder sintering of commercial purity titanium powder (CP-Ti) on Ti6Al7Nb substrate. The finite volume method (FVM) and disperse particle method (DPM) were applied to develop the target model of a roughness impact R test. The morphology of modified surfaces was documented with digital microscope and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Results The impact R test developed using the two phase blood model performed on regularly structured base plate resulted in shear stress values higher than the analogous for the model lacking such modification. The most significant reduction in maximum values of shear stress occurred in case of the DPM model and especially in the model with regular structures. Conclusions The proposed models are very effective in modeling of the analysis of blood flow in roughness impact-R test.

High Resolution Cerebral Blood Flow Simulation and Clinical Verification with a Parallel Domain Decomposition Method

High Resolution Cerebral Blood Flow Simulation and Clinical Verification with a Parallel Domain Decomposition Method

Non-Newtonian flow through an artery with three stenosis

This research aims to simulate blood flow through a stenosed artery portion that exhibits non-Newtonian characteristics for three stenoses using three-dimensional modelling and to examine a mathematical model for the same. The power law and unsteady Navier Stokes equations are used to generate velocity profiles at different cross-sections. The presence of arterial Stenosis has an impact on blood flow hemodynamics. Analytical techniques and boundary conditions are used to solve the problem, and the results are visually displayed for various flow parameters such as pressure drop, shear stress, and velocity profile. The computation results are compared with published literature results to validate the numerical model. Both the results are close hence validating our design of stenosed artery. It was observed that the blood flow produces a significant drop in velocity at the most constricted portion, which is variable for different cases of analysis (20%, 60% and 80% compression cases). The outcomes of this study also have medical correlations as we can precisely determine the pressure drop using blood pressure machine, indirectly indicating the velocity gradient aligning with the scope of this research.

Effect of aneurysmatic artery on blood flow having permeability in human organ

Blood flow in a double aneurysmatic artery of the normal tissue is studied. A Finite Element method is used to analyze numerical simulation of blood flow through aneurysmatic arteries. The Newtonian, generalized Newtonian, Oldroyd-B and generalized Oldroyd-B models are considered due to the behavior of blood viscosity. In this paper, the effect of aneurysmatic artery on blood flow with permeability in human organ has been investigated. The non-Newtonian models have been applied to study the blood velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress in an aneurysmatic artery. A set of partial differential equations are transformed into dimensionless equations using non-dimensional variables and solved numerically. We have focused our consideration on the simulation of blood velocity and pressure in terms of blood flow rate for various Weissenberg numbers (Wi) and Peclet numbers (Pe). The important effects on blood flow of aneursymatic artery for blood velocity, pressure and wall stress profiles are presented graphically for Newtonian and non-Newtonian models.

Quantification of visceral perfusion and impact of femoral cannulation: in vitro model of aortic dissection.

We aimed to simulate blood flow at an aortic dissection in an in vitro vascular model and assess the impact of the cannulation method on visceral perfusion. An aortic-dissection model with an acrylic aortic wall and silicone intimal flap was developed to study visceral perfusion under various cannulation conditions. The primary tear was placed in the proximal descending aorta and the re-entry site in the left common iliac artery. A cardiovascular pump was used to reproduce a normal pulsatile aortic flow and a steady cannulation flow. Axillary and axillary plus femoral cannulation were compared at flow rates of 3-7 l/min. Haemodynamics were analysed by using four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging. Axillary cannulation (AC) was found to collapse the true lumen at the coeliac and superior mesentery arteries, while combined axillary and femoral cannulation did not change the size of the true lumen. Combined axillary and femoral cannulation resulted in a larger visceral flow than did AC alone. When axillary plus femoral cannulation was used, the visceral flow increased by 125% at 3 l/min, by 89% at 4 l/min, by 67% at 5 L/min, by 98% at 6 l/min and by 101% at 7 l/min, respectively, compared to those with the AC only. Our model was useful to understanding the haemodynamics in aortic dissection. In this specific condition, we confirmed that the intimal flap motion can partially block blood flow to the coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries and that additional femoral cannulation can increase visceral perfusion.

An efficient, localised approach for the simulation of elastic blood vessels using the lattice Boltzmann method

Many numerical studies of blood flow impose a rigid wall assumption due to the simplicity of its implementation compared to a full coupling with a solid mechanics model. In this paper, we present a localised method for incorporating the effects of elastic walls into blood flow simulations using the lattice Boltzmann method implemented by the open-source code HemeLB. We demonstrate that our approach is able to more accurately capture the flow behaviour expected in elastic walled vessels than ones with rigid walls. Furthermore, we show that this can be achieved with no loss of computational performance and remains strongly scalable on high performance computers. We finally illustrate that our approach captures the same trends in wall shear stress distribution as those observed in studies using a rigorous coupling between fluid dynamics and solid mechanics models to solve flow in personalised vascular geometries. These results demonstrate that our model can be used to efficiently and effectively represent flows in elastic blood vessels.

Network-driven anomalous transport is a fundamental component of brain microvascular dysfunction

Blood microcirculation supplies neurons with oxygen and nutrients, and contributes to clearing their neurotoxic waste, through a dense capillary network connected to larger tree-like vessels. This complex microvascular architecture results in highly heterogeneous blood flow and travel time distributions, whose origin and consequences on brain pathophysiology are poorly understood. Here, we analyze highly-resolved intracortical blood flow and transport simulations to establish the physical laws governing the macroscopic transport properties in the brain micro-circulation. We show that network-driven anomalous transport leads to the emergence of critical regions, whether hypoxic or with high concentrations of amyloid-β, a waste product centrally involved in Alzheimer’s Disease. We develop a Continuous-Time Random Walk theory capturing these dynamics and predicting that such critical regions appear much earlier than anticipated by current empirical models under mild hypoperfusion. These findings provide a framework for understanding and modelling the impact of microvascular dysfunction in brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease.

Two-Phase Non-Newtonian Pulsatile Blood Flow Simulations in a Rigid and Flexible Patient-Specific Left Coronary Artery (LCA) Exhibiting Multi-Stenosis

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is stated as one of the most common causes of death all over the world. This article explores the influence of multi stenosis in a flexible and rigid left coronary artery (LCA) model using a multiphase blood flow system which has not yet been studied. Two-way fluid–solid interaction (FSI) is employed to achieve flow within the flexible artery model. A realistic three-dimensional model of multi-stenosed LCA was reconstructed based on computerized tomography (CT) images. The fluid domain was solved using a finite volume-based commercial software (FLUENT 2020). The fluid (blood) and solid (wall) domains were fully coupled by using the ANSYS Fluid-Structure Interaction solver. The maximum pressure drops, and wall shear stress was determined across the sever stenosis (90% AS). The higher region of displacement occurs at the pre-stenosis area compared to the other area of the left coronary artery model. An increase in blood flow velocity across the restricted regions (stenosis) in the LCA was observed, whereas the recirculation zone at the post-stenosis and bifurcation regions was noted. An overestimation of hemodynamic descriptors for the rigid models was found as compared to the FSI models.

Evaluation and verification of patient-specific modelling of type B aortic dissection

Quantitative assessment of the complex hemodynamic environment in type B aortic dissection (TBAD) through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations can provide detailed insights into the disease and its progression. As imaging and computational technologies have advanced, methodologies have been developed to increase the accuracy and physiological relevance of CFD simulations. This study presents a patient-specific workflow to simulate blood flow in TBAD, utilising the maximum amount of in vivo data available in the form of CT images, 4D-flow MRI and invasive Doppler-wire pressure measurements, to implement the recommended current best practice methodologies in terms of patient-specific geometry and boundary conditions. The study aimed to evaluate and verify this workflow through detailed qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the CFD and in vivo data. Based on data acquired from five TBAD patients, a range of essential model inputs was obtained, including inlet flow waveforms and 3-element Windkessel model parameters, which can be utilised in further studies where in vivo flow data is not available. Local and global analysis showed good consistency between CFD results and 4D-MRI data, with the maximum velocity in the primary entry tear differing by up to 0.3 m/s, and 80% of the analysed regions achieving moderate or strong correlations between the predicted and in vivo velocities. CFD predicted pressures were generally well matched to the Doppler-wire measurements, with some deviation in peak systolic values. Overall, this study presents a validated comprehensive workflow with extensive data for CFD simulation of TBAD.

Virtual embolization for treatment support of intracranial AVMs using an interactive desktop and VR application

PurposeThe treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is challenging due to their complex anatomy. For this vessel pathology, arteries are directly linked to veins without a capillary bed in between. For endovascular treatment, embolization is carried out, where the arteries that supply the AVM are consecutively blocked. A virtual embolization could support the medical expert in treatment planning.MethodWe designed and implemented an immersive VR application that allows the visualization of the simulated blood flow by displaying millions of particles. Furthermore, the user can interactively block or unblock arteries that supply the AVM and analyze the altered blood flow based on pre-computed simulations.ResultsIn a pilot study, the application was successfully adapted to three patient-specific cases. We performed a qualitative evaluation with two experienced neuroradiologist who regularly conduct AVM embolizations. The feature of virtually blocking or unblocking feeders was rated highly beneficial, and a desire for the inclusion of quantitative information was formulated.ConclusionThe presented application allows for virtual embolization and interactive blood flow visualization in an immersive virtual reality environment. It could serve as useful addition for treatment planning and education in clinical practice, supporting the understanding of AVM topology as well as understanding the influence of the AVM’s feeding arteries.

Abstract 13317: Optimization of Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy: A Combined in vitro and in silico Strategy to Reduce Thromboembolic Adverse Events via Evidence-Based Surgical Configuration and Medical Management

Introduction: Left Ventricular Assist Devices are growing in frequency and importance in the treatment of medical-refractory heart failure. The incidence of thromboembolic events is a principal cause of mortality and morbidity for these patients, despite third generation pumps greatly reducing in-pump thrombosis. Hypothesis: To understand this problem, we hypothesize that LVAD-induced hemodynamics precondition platelets to activate and aggregate, leading to incipient thrombus formation which may propagate throughout the circulation, explaining the high incidence of thromboembolic events in the absence of in-pump thrombosis. Methods: A combined computational and in vitro modeling approach is used to simulate blood flow in the left ventricle, LVAD inflow cannula, outflow graft and aortic arch, with the goal of understanding the role of LVAD therapy in hemodynamics. Results: A systematic optimization of surgical parameters (inflow cannula angle, inflow cannula insertion depth, outflow graft anastomosis angle, outflow graft diameter) and medical management (LVAD speed, blood pressure, aortic valve opening frequency) based on Lagrangian metrics confirmed that the thrombogenicity of LVAD therapy can be potentially be significantly reduced. These metrics allow for quantitative comparisons of device management. Guidelines of optimum ranges of therapy configurations, and definition of “high risk” surgical configurations to avoid have been proposed. Conclusions: Reducing thrombogenicity and improving hemocompatibility is the next frontier in durable LVAD therapy for advanced heart failure. Risk-benefit analysis of many surgical configurations and medical management strategies can be quantitatively analyzed. Systematic analysis can serve as the rationale for future clinical trials that will optimize patient outcomes and reduce complications.

Neurodegenerative brain models vs. cell replacement or restoration therapy: A review on promises and pitfalls

Disease models have proven useful tools for gaining deeper mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, stem cell technology is effective, especially induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids and cell replacement/restoration which can be used for personalized medicine, allowing physicians to test the efficacy of drugs in vitro before delivering them to patients, enabling more precise and personalized treatment. Nonetheless, it offers the potential to minimize (or even eliminate) the use of animals, provides important clues for disease processes, and accelerates therapeutic strategies. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, organoid models of the human brain will be able to link blood-brain barrier cultures with other liver cultures, simulating blood flow across organs and as a method of testing medicines, giving crucial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data. Simultaneously, stem cell interventions for cell replacements or restoration therapy would enable us to realize efficacious and realistic therapeutic options for Neurodegenerative diseases.

Extraction of patient-specific boundary conditions from 4D-DSA and their influence on CFD simulations of cerebral aneurysms

We developed a new technique for extracting patient-specific inflow conditions, such as the pulse cycle duration and blood flow velocity, from four-dimensional digital subtraction angiography images and experimentally examined its validity. The maximum error between the values extracted by the technique and measured values was 14.3%. We performed blood flow simulations and calculated representative haemodynamic parameters. The maximum differences between the parameters obtained using general and patient-specific inflow conditions were approximately 400%, 150%, and 50% for the velocity, normalised wall shear stress, and pressure loss coefficient, respectively. These results indicate that patient-specific conditions are critical for accurately reproducing aneurysmal haemodynamics.

Numerical simulation of pulsatile blood flow: a study with normal artery, and arteries with single and multiple stenosis

Numerical simulations of pulsatile transitional blood flow through symmetric stenosed arteries with different area reductions were performed to investigate the behavior of the blood. Simulations were carried out through Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations and well-known k-ω model was used to evaluate the numerical simulations to assess the changes in velocity distribution, pressure drop, and wall shear stress in the stenosed artery, artery with single and double stenosis at different area reduction. This study found a significant difference in stated fluid properties among the three types of arteries. The fluid properties showed a peak in an occurrence at the stenosis for both in the artery with single and double stenosis. The magnitudes of stated fluid properties increase with the increase of the area reduction. Findings may enable risk assessment of patients with cardiovascular diseases and can play a significant role to find a solution to such types of diseases.

Proximal false lumen thrombosis is associated with low false lumen pressure and fewer complications in type B aortic dissection

BackgroundImproved risk stratification is a key priority for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Partial false lumen thrombus morphology is an emerging predictor of complications. However, partial thrombosis is poorly defined, and its evaluation in clinical studies has been inconsistent. Thus, we aimed to characterize the hemodynamic pressure in TBAD and determine how the pressure relates to the false lumen thrombus morphology and clinical events. MethodsThe retrospective admission computed tomography angiograms of 69 patients with acute TBAD were used to construct three-dimensional computational models for simulation of cyclical blood flow and calculation of pressure. The patients were categorized by the false lumen thrombus morphology as minimal, extensive, proximal or distal thrombosis. Linear regression analysis was used to compare the luminal pressure difference between the true and false lumen for each morphology group. The effect of morphology classification on the incidence of acute complications within 14 days was studied using logistic regression adjusted for clinical parameters. A survival analysis for adverse aortic events at 1 year was also performed using Cox regression. ResultsOf the 69 patients, 44 had experienced acute complications and 45 had had an adverse aortic event at 1 year. The mean ± standard deviation age was 62.6 ± 12.6 years, and 75.4% were men. Compared with the patients with minimal thrombosis, those with proximal thrombosis had a reduced false lumen pressure by 10.1 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3-15.9 mm Hg; P = .001). The patients who had not experienced an acute complication had had a reduced relative false lumen pressure (−6.35 mm Hg vs −0.62 mm Hg; P = .03). Proximal thrombosis was associated with fewer acute complications (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04-0.60; P = .01) and 1-year adverse aortic events (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.80; P = .01). ConclusionsWe found that proximal false lumen thrombosis was a marker of reduced false lumen pressure. This might explain how proximal false lumen thrombosis appears to be protective of acute complications (eg, refractory hypertension or pain, aortic rupture, visceral or limb malperfusion, acute expansion) and adverse aortic events within the first year.

Computational simulation of rheological blood flow containing hybrid nanoparticles in an inclined catheterized artery with stenotic, aneurysmal and slip effects

Influenced by nano-drug delivery applications, the present article considers the collective effects of hybrid biocompatible metallic nanoparticles (Silver and Copper), a stenosis and an aneurysm on the unsteady blood flow characteristics in a catheterized tapered inclined artery. The non-Newtonian Carreau fluid model is deployed to represent the hemorheological characteristics in the arterial region. A modified Tiwari-Das volume fraction model is adopted for nanoscale effects. The permeability of the arterial wall and the inclination of the diseased artery are taken into account. The nanoparticles are also considered to have various shapes (bricks, cylinders, platelets, blades) and therefore the influence of different shape parameters is discussed. The conservation equations for mass, linear momentum and energy are normalized by employing suitable non-dimensional variables. The transformed equations with associated boundary conditions are solved numerically using the FTCS method. Key hemodynamic characteristics i.e. velocity, temperature, flow rate, wall shear stress (WSS) in stenotic and aneurysm region for a particular critical height of the stenosis, are computed. Hybrid nanoparticles (Ag–Cu/Blood) accelerate the axial flow and increase temperatures significantly compared with unitary nanoparticles (Ag/blood), at both the stenosis and aneurysm segments. Axial velocity, temperature and flow rate are all enhanced with greater nanoparticle shape factor. Axial velocity, temperature, wall shear stress and flow rate magnitudes are always comparatively higher at the aneurysm region compared with the stenotic segment. The simulations provide novel insights into the performance of different nanoparticle geometries and also rheological behaviour in realistic nano-pharmaco-dynamic transport and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).