Computational Hemodynamics in Human Vasculature: A Review on Role of Rheology, Multiphase Flow, and Fluid–Structure Interaction

Abstract

Efficient and accurate computational model for blood flow dynamics (hemodynamics), is essential for determining optimal treatment strategy, diagnosis, and pathology identification of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The focus of the present review paper is to discuss on critical aspects of hemodynamics. Various numerical methods for computational hemodynamics are examined—addressing three key modeling choices. First, the relevance of non-Newtonian hemorheological models in varying vascular conditions is presented. Second, an assessment of single-phase versus multiphase modeling’s validity, for different arterial geometries, is presented. Lastly, investigation on the impact of arterial wall elasticity on blood flow patterns is carried out and a discussion on the necessity of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model is presented. By surveying diverse scenarios of blood flow modeling, presented in recent literature, it is observed that non-Newtonian behavior significantly impacts severely stenosed arteries or those with low diameters and Womersley numbers, while larger arteries exhibit characteristics similar to Newtonian fluids. Differences between single-phase and multiphase modeling vary with arterial configurations, showcasing notable particle migration effects in curved and branched arteries. Additionally, arterial wall elasticity’s influence varies across scenarios—highlighting the importance of FSI, particularly in diseased states. The article identifies crucial areas for future research to enhance CFD-based hemodynamic modeling, emphasizing the integration of multiphase simulation with non-linear elastic arteries, considering surrounding tissue effects in FSI, innovating patient-specific CAD geometries, and developing faster computational techniques.