Coupled Computer Modeling of Atherosclerosis Development in the Coronary Arteries

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is characterized by dysfunction of endothelium, vasculitis and accumulation of lipid, cholesterol and cell elements inside blood vessel wall. Determination of plaque location and plaque volume for a specific patient is very important for prediction of atherosclerotic disease progression. In this study coupled computer modeling of atherosclerosis progression is analysed. Continuum approach assumed mass transport of LDL through the wall and the simplified inflammatory process coupled with three addi-tional reaction-diffusion equations and lesion growth model in the intima. Discrete modeling used dissipative particle dynamics method which individual blood constituents (e.g., platelets, RBCs, white blood cells) treated as particle interaction. Coupled continuum and discrete model was investigated with real patient baseline and follow up study for right and left coronary arteries.