Graft restenosis risk prediction after coronary artery bypass surgery based on both flow and geometric configuration

Yiran Li1, Meice Tian2, Xiaoyan Deng1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.

Journal of Biomechanics
|November 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Predicting graft restenosis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is improved by a new model combining blood flow and graft geometry. This approach enhances risk assessment for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Graft restenosis is a major complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
  • Current methods for assessing graft function, mainly based on blood flow, do not fully account for geometric and hemodynamic factors influencing graft patency.
  • There is a need for improved risk prediction models that integrate multiple parameters for better clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a comprehensive risk prediction model for graft restenosis after CABG.
  • The model integrates patient-specific graft geometry and blood flow dynamics.
  • To investigate the hemodynamic characteristics associated with high-risk grafts.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 110 patient-specific CABG geometries reconstructed from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images.
  • Development and validation of three logistic regression models for restenosis risk prediction.
  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess hemodynamic parameters in high-risk grafts.

Main Results:

  • The combined flow and geometric model demonstrated the best performance in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.758, sensitivity = 89.1%).
  • CFD analysis revealed poor hemodynamic conditions in high-risk grafts, characterized by low wall shear stress and high residence time.
  • Complex interactions between graft flow and geometry were identified, highlighting context-dependent effects.

Conclusions:

  • An integrated approach combining patient-specific flow and geometric features provides enhanced risk prediction for CABG graft restenosis.
  • This model can improve clinical decision-making and support personalized postoperative management strategies.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering both anatomical and hemodynamic factors for graft surveillance.