Fluid-structure interaction simulation of tissue degradation and its effects on intra-aneurysm hemodynamics

Abstract

Tissue degradation plays a crucial role in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and aneurysms. Computational modeling of vascular hemodynamics incorporating both arterial wall mechanics and tissue degradation has been a challenging task. In this study, we propose a novel finite element method-based approach to model the microscopic degradation of arterial walls and its interaction with blood flow. The model is applied to study the combined effects of pulsatile flow and tissue degradation on the deformation and intra-aneurysm hemodynamics. Our computational analysis reveals that tissue degradation leads to a weakening of the aneurysmal wall, which manifests itself in a larger deformation and a smaller von Mises stress. Moreover, simulation results for different heart rates, blood pressures and aneurysm geometries indicate consistently that, upon tissue degradation, wall shear stress increases near the flow-impingement region and decreases away from it. These findings are discussed in the context of recent reports regarding the role of both high and low wall shear stress for the progression and rupture of aneurysms.

Modeling Dynamics of the Cardiovascular System Using Fluid-Structure Interaction Methods

“…Thus, such simulations may be important in determining the severity of the disease [84]. Simulation results indicate that wall shear stress increases in areas of aneurysms that impinge upon blood flow and decreases in areas distal to this site, an important development in monitoring the progression of an aneurysm, as from a mechanical perspective, aneurysm rupture occurs when wall stress exceeds arterial wall strength [85][86][87][88]. Aneurysm rupture risk is traditionally assessed by measuring the diameter of the aorta.…”

Coronary hemodynamic simulation study

“…This discipline has an important impact on human life and health. 7 It is believed that hemodynamic factors play an indispensable role in studying how vascular diseases initiate and develop, and how they are eventually to be treated. 8 With the continuous development and maturity of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), numerical simulations developed based on CFD have become popular for studying blood flow.…”

“…This discipline has an important impact on human life and health. 7 It is believed that hemodynamic factors play an indispensable role in studying how vascular diseases initiate and develop, and how they are eventually to be treated. 8…”

Fluid dynamics in intracranial aneurysms treated with flow-diverting stents: effect of multiple geometrical parameters

“…the intracranial artery). Pulsatile blood flow applies stresses on this cavity's wall, which result in growth, through biomechanics-driven remodelling processes (Wang et al 2022). This remodelling can lead to the rupture of the aneurysmal wall and consequently to subarachnoid haemorrhage, with high morbidity and mortality (Ajiboye et al 2015).…”