Atherosclerotic plaque formation in the coronary arteries

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a disease of arterial blood vessels characterized by the accumulation of lipids in the arterial wall, starting with endothelial dysfunction, which favors lipid and cell elements crossing inside blood vessel wall. In this study, using DICOM images, a numerical model of atherosclerosis progression was developed. Fluid domain (blood) was modeled using Navier-Stokes equations in conjunction with continuity equation, while the solid domain (arterial wall) was modeled using Darcy’s law. For the purpose of modeling lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) and oxygen transport, convection-diffusion equations were used. Kedem-Katchalsky equations were used for coupling fluid and solid dynamics. Determination of plaque location and plaque volume with computer simulation for a specific patient shows a potential benefit for prediction of disease progression. The results for plaque concentration for the right and left coronary arteries are presented.