Modelling of thrombus formation using smoothed particle hydrodynamics method

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Biophysics

Background:

• Thrombus formation is a complex process involving blood coagulation and platelet dynamics.
• Simulating thromboembolism requires robust models that capture fluid-solid interactions.
• Existing models may not fully represent the multi-phase nature of clot formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel computational model for simulating thrombus formation.
• To incorporate biochemical and physical factors governing the coagulation cascade.
• To develop an innovative fluid-solid interaction (FSI) approach for blood-clot dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method for simulation.
• Modeling the coagulative cascade via four biochemical species and three platelet types.
• Implementing a monolithic FSI approach with elastic binds for fluid-solid coupling.
• Allowing SPH particles to transition between fluid and solid phases based on conditions.

Main Results:

• The model realistically reproduces the thromboembolic process.
• Numerical results align with existing experimental data.
• The SPH method effectively handles the interaction between blood and the forming clot.
• The monolithic FSI approach simplifies interface management.

Conclusions:

• The proposed SPH model offers a powerful tool for studying thrombus formation.
• The innovative FSI approach enhances the simulation of blood-clot dynamics.
• This model provides a foundation for further research in thrombosis and thromboembolism.
• The study validates the model's accuracy through comparison with experimental literature data.