CFD-BASED INVESTIGATION OF HEMODYNAMICS IN CORONARY ARTERIES

Abstract

Coronary arteries are blood vessels that surround the surface of the heart and have the important role of supplying oxygenated blood to the cardiac muscle. However, over time and due to certain risk factors, these vessels become susceptible to coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition often caused by atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of fatty plaques on the arterial walls. This phenomenon leads to a narrowing of the vascular lumen and can potentially lead to serious complications such as angina, myocardial infarction or even sudden cardiac death [1]. Computational models based on finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have been used to investigate the hemodynamic alterations associated with CAD. These techniques allow detailed simulations of blood flow and provide valuable insights into the biomechanics of the blood vessels [2]. The primary objective of this study is to analyze a model of a healthy coronary artery and a pathological one affected by CAD, to examine and compare the hemodynamic differences and, therefore, to emphasize the importance of treating coronary plaques and mitigating their potentially lethal consequences. In clinical practice, one of the most common approaches to managing coronary artery narrowing involves the implantation of stents. These devices are designed to restore the arterial lumen, ensuring adequate blood flow and preventing further hemodynamic complications [3].