Multi-Scale Computational Model of Three-Dimensional Hemodynamics within a Deformable Full-Body Arterial Network

Area of Science:

• Computational fluid dynamics
• Biomedical engineering
• Cardiovascular science

Background:

• Accurate simulation of human hemodynamics is crucial for understanding cardiovascular diseases.
• Previous models often simplify arterial networks or lack detailed fluid-structure interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, fully three-dimensional, and unsteady computational multi-scale model of human hemodynamics.
• To validate the model's physiological realism against literature data.
• To investigate the impact of arterial stiffening on wave propagation.

Main Methods:

• Reconstruction of a near-complete human arterial network from CT image data.
• Application of a linearized coupled-momentum method for fluid-structure interaction.
• Utilization of a multi-domain method for distal circulation modeling.

Main Results:

• Physiologically realistic simulation of regional blood flow, pressure, and flow waveforms.
• Accurate prediction of pulse wave velocities compared to literature values.
• Modeled effects of age-related arterial stiffening on pressure amplification and pulse wave velocity align with clinical findings.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D computational model provides a feasible approach for simulating hemodynamics in a full-body compliant arterial network.
• This model can serve as a valuable tool for research into cardiovascular health and disease.
• The findings support the use of advanced computational techniques in personalized medicine.