Hemodynamic simulation for an anatomically realistic portal system

Abstract

In this paper we present a computer model that simulates blood flow in the portal system, the vascular network that delivers nutrients and hormones to the liver from other digestion organs. Firstly the vascular geometry of a patient-specific portal system was digitised from a 3D CT image. Then blood flow in this system was solved using a set of 1D partial differential equations coupled with a bifurcation model. Some preliminary results are presented and compared with published ultrasonography and phase contrast MRA data. We further simulate a surgical procedure (portacaval shunting) that connects the portal vein with the inferior vena cava (IVC). The simulation confirms that the high pressure gradient between the portal vein and IVC leads to substantially reduced portal perfusion or even reversed flow in the portal veins, thus makes the shunting graft a flow 'highway' in directing portal flow. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.