A multiscale approach for modelling wave propagation in an arterial segment

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

• Accurate modeling of blood flow is essential for understanding cardiovascular health.
• Arterial wave propagation influences hemodynamic parameters and tissue perfusion.
• Non-linear fluid-wall interactions are critical in arterial dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and numerically investigate a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) mathematical model of blood flow in arterial vessels.
• To analyze the impact of arterial wall properties, particularly elasticity, on pressure wave propagation.
• To study wave disturbances caused by localized arterial stiffening and prosthetic implantation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a quasi-1D differential model incorporating non-linear fluid-wall interactions and biaxial wall deformation.
• Coupling the 1D model with a six-compartment lumped parameter model for boundary conditions.
• Linearization of equations to study propagation phenomena and numerical approximation using a finite difference method on a staggered grid.

Main Results:

• The model successfully simulates blood flow and wave propagation characteristics.
• Arterial elasticity significantly affects flow, wall deformation (radial and axial), and wave velocity.
• Axial wall deformation shows a notable correlation with pressure wave peaks.

Conclusions:

• The quasi-1D model provides insights into blood flow dynamics and wave propagation in arteries.
• Arterial elasticity is a key determinant of hemodynamic responses and wave characteristics.
• The study underscores the significance of axial wall deformation and models potential disturbances from vascular alterations.