Finite element modeling of blood flow: Relevance to atherosclerosis

Computational methods are emerging as powerful tools for quantifying blood flow in arteries for disease research, medical device design and treatment planning. The motivation for quantifying hemodynamic conditions in the human vascular system is presented. A computational method for modeling blood flow, based on the theory of stabilized finite element methods, is detailed and shown to yield excellent solutions as compared to laser Doppler anemometry experimental flow data in a vascular bypass anastomosis. The blood flow field in an idealized model of the abdominal aorta under resting and exercise pulsatile flow conditions is quantified and the changes in shear stress discussed. Computational methods are applied for vascular surgery planning by considering blood flow in alternative treatments for a case of aorto-iliac occlusive disease. Finally, the significant challenges that remain in applying computational methods to disease research, device design, and treatment planning are discussed.