The multi-scale modelling of coronary blood flow

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Coronary flow is complex, influenced by network anatomy, systemic afterload, and cardiac mechanics.
• Studying coronary perfusion requires multiscale frameworks due to spatial scales and multi-physics.
• Understanding myocardial mechanics' influence on coronary flow is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an accessible introduction to coronary circulation modeling methodologies.
• To review the current state-of-the-art applications of these modeling frameworks.
• To bridge the gap towards integrated whole-heart models.

Main Methods:

• Overview of lumped parameter models for hypothesis testing.
• Description of 3D and 1D continuum mechanics models (Navier-Stokes).
• Emphasis on poroelastic approaches for microcirculation.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of various modeling frameworks' application regimes.
• Highlighting the importance of microcirculation in integrated models.
• Presentation of wave intensity analysis and related approaches.

Conclusions:

• Multiscale modeling is essential for comprehensive coronary circulation studies.
• Poroelastic models are key for microcirculation and integrated heart models.
• Advanced analysis techniques and clinical applications are advancing.