Computational Simulation of the Hemodynamics in an Anatomic Carotid Artery Model: A Biphasic Blood Model

Abstract

Numerical simulation of carotid artery bifurcation is essential for understanding blood flow dynamics in this complex region, aiding in identifying patterns associated with stress points and atherosclerosis risk. This information is valuable for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases, as well as optimizing medical devices and surgical interventions. Simulations offer insights into blood flow at the carotid bifurcation, advancing biomedical research and clinical applications. Engineers use computational tools to address multiphase flow complexities, supporting efficient device design, quick simulations, and cost-effective exploration of fluid dynamics across phases. In this study, carotid artery hemodynamics were analyzed using a biphasic blood model (plasma and erythrocytes) via ansys software. Wall shear stresses (WSSs), strain rates (SRs), and red blood cells (RBCs) distribution were examined. Results showed that while strain rates were similar in both phases, wall shear stresses differed: plasma shear stress was about 7.17 times higher than that due to RBCs, and strain rates in plasma were approximately 2.2 times higher than in RBCs. Additionally, the pressure in RBCs was about 0.39% higher than in plasma. These findings highlight distinct hemodynamic behaviors in each phase, contributing to a deeper understanding of blood flow mechanics at the carotid bifurcation.