Computational Simulation of Carotid Artery: From Patient-Specific Images to Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Nowadays, finite element analysis is a well-assessed technique which enables investigation of blood vessels behavior under different boundary conditions. Given the rapid progression of both medical imaging techniques and computational methods, the challenge of using the simulation of human arteries such as carotid arteries to address different medical conditions and support the clinical practice can be approached. Within this context, this study investigates the recent achievements in the field of computational examinations of carotid artery and presents the method for analysis of patient-specific carotid artery model and its application for simulation of atherosclerosis progression. In particular, we focus on the patient-specific anatomical geometry reconstruction and then on the examination of the plaque progression within carotid artery, by examining the parameters such as blood velocity and shear stress distribution. This type of simulation and determination of plaque zone and its progression in time for a specific patient has shown a potential benefit for future prediction of this vascular disease using the computer simulation.