Numerical modeling of stress in stenotic arteries with microcalcifications: a parameter sensitivity study

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries pose risks due to stress concentrations.
• Previous studies modeled stress in stenotic arteries with microcalcifications.
• This study expands on prior work by performing a formal sensitivity analysis.

Discussion:

• Investigates the impact of fibrous cap thickness, microcalcification volume fraction, and location on stress distribution.
• Utilizes finite element simulations and fluid-structure interaction models.
• Employs Sobol' indices and Monte Carlo methods for global sensitivity analysis.

Key Insights:

• Fibrous cap thickness is a major determinant of maximum circumferential stress magnitude.
• Microcalcification volume fraction significantly affects the location of maximum stress, especially when at the plaque shoulder.
• Maximum stress consistently shifts towards the microcalcified region, confirming prior findings.

Outlook:

• Further research can refine micromechanical models for plaque stability.
• Understanding these stress dynamics is crucial for predicting plaque rupture.
• This work provides a foundation for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.