Computational Modeling Of Immersed Non-spherical Bodies In Viscous Flows To Study Embolus Hemodynamics Interactions...

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Biomedical engineering
• Computational modeling

Background:

• Particle interactions with unsteady, non-linear viscous flows are crucial in physiology.
• Understanding embolus behavior in embolic strokes is vital for treatment.
• Current models oversimplify embolus shape, size, and flow coupling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel computational model for embolus-hemodynamics interactions.
• To simulate large, non-spherical emboli in near-occlusive regimes within realistic vasculature.
• To advance stroke modeling by capturing complex embolus dynamics and flow interactions.

Main Methods:

• Extended immersed finite element approach coupled with a six degree-of-freedom particle dynamics model.
• Parametric shape representation and vessel signed distance fields for geometric complexity.
• Simulation of large emboli in Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) stroke scenarios.

Main Results:

• Successfully captured non-linear tumbling dynamics of emboli due to flow and vessel wall interactions.
• Resolved near-occlusive scenarios, including lubrication effects and flow rerouting.
• Demonstrated benchmark cases and convergence, validating the computational technique.

Conclusions:

• The developed model is the first framework for LVO stroke and occlusion biofluid mechanics.
• The methodology accurately simulates embolus-hemodynamics in complex vascular geometries.
• The approach is generalizable to various two-way coupled fluid-particle interactions in unsteady viscous flows.