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Pulsatile flow visualization in the abdominal aorta under differing physiologic conditions: implications for
J E Moore1, D N Ku, C K Zarins
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0405.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|August 11, 1992
Summary
Complex blood flow patterns in the infrarenal abdominal aorta, including vortices and slow dye clearance along the posterior wall, may explain atherosclerosis localization. These hemodynamic conditions differ during rest versus exercise.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular science
- Biomedical engineering
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Atherosclerosis commonly affects the infrarenal abdominal aorta.
- Vessel geometry and pulsatile flow can create hemodynamic conditions influencing disease localization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize pulsatile blood flow in a model of the abdominal aorta.
- To investigate how varying physiological conditions affect aortic hemodynamics.
- To correlate hemodynamic factors with preferential plaque localization.
Main Methods:
- Pulsatile flow visualization in a glass aorta model.
- Model constructed from angiogram and cadaver aorta measurements.
- Varied flow rates and waveforms to simulate physiological conditions (resting, postprandial, exercise).
Main Results:
- Complex flow patterns, including vortices, observed in the infrarenal aorta.
- Dye clearance was slower along the posterior wall compared to the anterior aorta.
- Simulated exercise altered flow patterns, reducing dye residence time.
- Flow patterns remained largely unchanged under postprandial conditions.
Conclusions:
- Hemodynamic factors like low wall shear stress and high particle residence time in the infrarenal aorta may contribute to atherosclerosis.
- Significant time-dependent variations in abdominal aortic hemodynamics exist under different physiological states.