Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Hyoid Bone-Induced Compression on Carotid Artery Hemodynamics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Computational Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• The carotid bifurcation is vital for brain blood supply.
• External anatomical structures can influence carotid hemodynamics.
• Understanding these interactions is key to vascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hyoid bone-induced compression effects on carotid artery hemodynamics.
• To analyze alterations in wall shear stress, flow patterns, and mechanical stress.
• To utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) modeling.

Main Methods:

• Employed CFD and FSI modeling to simulate hyoid bone compression on the carotid artery.
• Analyzed changes in time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and Von-Mises stress.
• Examined velocity streamlines and vortex formation under compression.

Main Results:

• Common carotid compression reduced TAWSS and HOLMES, increasing OSI, indicating disturbed flow.
• Internal carotid compression elevated TAWSS and HOLMES at contact sites and the bifurcation.
• Highest Von-Mises stress was observed with external carotid compression, suggesting structural risk.

Conclusions:

• Hyoid bone compression significantly impacts carotid hemodynamics and biomechanics.
• Compression location dictates the nature and severity of flow alterations and stress.
• Results highlight the clinical relevance of anatomical interactions for vascular health and remodeling.