Analysis of normal and atherosclerotic blood vessels using 2D finite element models

Abstract

Analysis of blood vessel mechanics in normal and diseased conditions is essential for disease research, medical device design and treatment planning. In this work, 2D finite element models of normal vessel and atherosclerotic vessels with 50% and 90% plaque deposition were developed and were meshed using Delaunay triangulation method. The transient analysis was performed and the parameters such as total displacement, Von Mises stress and strain energy density were analyzed for normal and atherosclerotic vessels. Results demonstrate that an inverse relation exists between the considered mechanical parameters over the vessel surface and the percentage of plaque deposited on the inner vessel wall. It was further observed that the total displacement and Von Mises stress decrease nonlinearly with increasing plaque percentage. Whereas, the strain energy density decreases almost linearly with increase in plaque deposition. In this paper, the objectives of the study, methodology and significant observations are presented. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.