On the evolution of stresses in a stratified atherosclerotic arterial tissue

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases are the leading global cause of death.
• Coronary artery disease, characterized by atherosclerosis, involves plaque buildup, narrowing the artery lumen.
• This narrowing alters stress distribution, increasing risks of plaque rupture, myocardial infarction, and angina.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare the stress evolution in a sclerotic coronary artery versus a healthy artery.
• To model the mechanical response of arterial tissue under simulated physiological conditions.

Main Methods:

• A three-layered arterial tissue model was created using finite element software.
• Contact modeling was implemented to simulate layer adhesion.
• A 50% lumen reduction plaque was modeled using incompressible hydrostatic fluid elements.
• Axisymmetric finite element analysis was performed under radial pressure.

Main Results:

• The study analyzed the evolution of Von Mises stress, shear stresses, and contact stresses.
• Significant differences in stress distribution were observed between the diseased and healthy coronary artery models.
• Contact stresses on the interface between arterial layers were particularly highlighted.

Conclusions:

• The finite element model effectively simulated stress changes in atherosclerotic coronary arteries.
• Atherosclerosis induces critical alterations in arterial tissue stress, providing insights into disease progression.
• Further research can utilize these findings to explore therapeutic interventions and predict cardiovascular events.