Biofluid dynamics at arterial bifurcations

Hemodynamics has long been suspected of being involved in arterial diseases, e.g., atherosclerosis. Seemingly good correlation between the atherosclerosis localization and the flow disturbance around bends and bifurcations in large arteries has prompted many studies of blood flow around those regions. This article reviews and critiques biofluid studies at various arterial bifurcations. Both experimental and theoretical models vary greatly in the major assumptions and parameters. The issues discussed include: possible errors from two-dimensional models, the validity of steady flow studies, the existence and influence of the secondary flow, effects of non-Newtonian blood rheology, influences from arterial wall distensibility, effects of the Reynolds number, effects of the area ratio, effects of the Womersley number, effects of corner curvatures, effects of bifurcation angle, errors in the measurement and calculation of wall shear rate, and the possible existence of turbulence.