3D physiological model of the aortic valve incorporating small coronary arteries

The diseases of the coronary arteries and the aortic root are still the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In this study, a 3D global fluid-structure interaction of the aortic root with inclusion of anatomically inspired small coronary arteries using the finite element method is presented. This innovative model allows to study the impact and interaction of root biomechanics on coronary hemodynamics and brings a new understanding to small coronary vessels hemodynamics. For the first time, the velocity profiles and shear stresses are reported in distal coronary arteries as a result of the aortic flow conditions in a global fluid-structure interaction model.