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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression
Published on: January 15, 2022
Coronary arteries: imaging, reconstruction, and fluid dynamic analysis
Krishnan B Chandran1, Andreas Wahle, Sarah C Vigmostad
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242-1527, USA. chandran@engineering.uiowa.edu
Insights
This review explores advanced imaging and fluid dynamics research for understanding atherosclerosis. Early detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) is crucial for effective intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of cardiovascular mortality in industrialized nations.
- Early detection and understanding of atherosclerosis etiology remain significant challenges.
- Atheroma formation is influenced by genetic, environmental, and hemodynamic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current imaging modalities and image processing techniques for coronary artery visualization.
- To examine the role of complex fluid dynamics and mass transport in atheroma development.
- To correlate fluid-induced stresses with the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cardiovascular imaging techniques.
- Analysis of studies focusing on coronary artery flow dynamics and mass transport.
- Evaluation of image processing methods for realistic arterial geometry reconstruction.
Main Results:
- Current imaging and processing techniques enable detailed visualization of coronary arterial geometry.
- Complex fluid dynamics significantly impact the initiation and growth of atherosclerotic lesions.
- Understanding flow dynamics provides insights into the relationship between stress and disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Advanced imaging and computational fluid dynamics are vital tools for studying atherosclerosis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the interplay between hemodynamics and CAD.
- Future directions aim to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for coronary artery disease.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most cardiovascular-related deaths in industrialized nations. Determining the etiology of atherosclerosis and detecting lesions in the early stages of the disease for possible pharmacological or mechanical intervention have been challenges facing cardiovascular researchers. In addition to genetic and environmental factors, the formation and growth of atheroma have been linked to the complex fluid dynamics and mass transport in these arterial segments. This article reviews the current state of affairs in imaging modalities and image processing techniques that allow the visualization and morphologically realistic reconstruction of coronary arterial geometry to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, studies pertaining to our current understanding of the complex flow dynamics in the coronary arteries and the relationship between fluid-induced stresses on the initiation and growth of the atherosclerotic lesions are also reviewed. The article concludes with a brief discussion on possible future directions of research that will advance our knowledge of this challenging problem.
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