Spatial Distributions of Blood Residence Time in Stenosed Model Coronary Arteries

This study investigates the relationship between spatial distributions of blood residence times in post-stenotic regions of coronary arteries and physiologically significant stenosis quantified by the gold standard Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) diagnostic. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted on coronary artery models with varying stenosis degrees and shapes. Spatial distributions of blood residence times were analyzed in 2D cross-sectional slices of the post-stenotic region and compared between high FFR (healthy) and low FFR (significant stenosis) cases.Results revealed distinct characteristics in spatial blood residence times for high and low FFR cases. Low FFR cases exhibited regions of higher residence time due to slower flow and recirculation. The transition between low and high residence time regions was quantified using normalized gradients, showing more symmetrical contours in high FFR cases. Low FFR cases displayed asymmetric residence time contours due to interrupted flow streams and recirculation zones.Clinical Relevance- The spatial distribution of blood residence times in post-stenotic regions of coronary arteries provides a non-invasive indicator of stenosis severity, potentially offering a new method for assessing coronary artery disease without invasive procedures.