Study of Bio-Fluid Dynamics in Carotid Artery System Using Numerical Methods

Abstract

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been largely used in understanding the haemodynamics of the carotid bifurcation system and to visualise the blood flow changes due to the carotid artery geometric variations. Such studies will be helpful in understanding the arterial blood flow behavior and atherosclerosis. The present study focuses on investigation of geometric variable patient-specific healthy carotid bifurcation system under physiological pressure conditions. Unsteady flow simulation is conducted in ANSYS Fluent under the rigid wall and non-Newtonian conditions. The haemodynamic parameters such as pressure, velocity, vorticity, helicity, and time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) were evaluated to visualise and understand flow dynamics at critical zones of bifurcation system. Further, the importance of geometric influence on the bifurcation zone was also investigated, causing significant vortex formation zones. A considerable reduction in velocity and backflow formation was observed, which is responsible for reducing the shear stress. It is also demonstrated that low TAWSS regions surrounding the bifurcation zone are more prone to atherosclerosis development.