Computational Methods for Investigating Hemodynamics in Coronary Arteries: A Comprehensive Review of CFD and FSI Techniques for

Determining WSS and Other Key Parameters to Prevent Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases
Presented By:
Sanjaytharan Tamilselvan
UG, 3rd Year Student
Under the guidance of:
Dr. Abdulrajak Buradi
Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, P.B.No.6429. Yelahanka, Bangalore 560064,
Karnataka, India.
5th May 2023 1
 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
BIO-MEDICAL ENGINEERING METHODOLOGY

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES RESULTS &

DISCUSSIONS
HEMODYNAMICS
CFD & FSI
WALL SHEAR STRESS CONCLUSION
2
 INTRODUCTION
Coronary arteries are
Hemodynamics, or the study
particularly susceptible to
of blood flow, plays a critical
atherosclerosis, a condition in
role in the development and
which plaque builds up in
progression of cardiovascular
the artery walls and can lead
disease.
to heart attack or stroke.
Key parameters, such as wall
shear stress (WSS), have been
identified as important
predictors of atherosclerosis
and other cardiovascular
diseases.
Computational methods, such
This presentation will provide
as computational fluid
a comprehensive review of
dynamics (CFD) and fluid-
CFD and FSI techniques for
structure interaction (FSI)
determining WSS and other
techniques, have emerged as
key parameters in order to
powerful tools for
prevent atherosclerosis and
investigating hemodynamics
cardiovascular disease.
in coronary arteries.
3
 Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies
engineering principles and methods to solve problems in biology
and medicine, with a focus on improving human health and quality
of life. Some of the core fields involved are:
BIO-MEDICAL Fluid
Mechanics
Material
Sciences
Control
Systems Manufacturing

ENGINEERING In recent years, the field of biomedical engineering has

become increasingly important in advancing healthcare
technologies. With the integration of mechanical engineering
principles, biomedical engineers have been able to apply fluid
dynamics concepts to better understand the flow of blood and
other bodily fluids through the human body.
4
 CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES (CVD)
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, with a sizable
proportion of deaths attributed to atherosclerosis. This disease results in
abnormal blood flow conditions in arteries, and accounts for approximately
32% of all fatalities.

Coronary artery disease, which is a type of cardiovascular disease, is often a

result of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of cellular waste, fatty
substances, smooth muscle cells, and cholesterol in the arterial lumen, which
leads to plaque formation

5
…CONTD

6
 HEMODYNAMICS
Understanding the principles of
hemodynamics in coronary
Blood flow in coronary arteries is arteries is critical for identifying
also subject to several physiological potential risk factors for
conditions, such as the cardiac cardiovascular disease and
In coronary arteries, blood flow cycle, which can affect the velocity developing interventions to
is influenced by several factors, and direction of blood flow. prevent its onset.
Hemodynamics refers to the including the geometry of the
study of blood flow in the artery, the viscosity of the
blood, and the pressure
circulatory system.
gradient between the inlet and
outlet of the artery.

7
 CFD & FSI
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and
fluid-structure interaction (FSI)
techniques have become popular tools
for investigating hemodynamics in
coronary arteries.
CFD models can be used to estimate
key parameters, such as wall shear
stress (WSS), and to visualize blood
flow patterns in the artery.
FSI models typically incorporate both fluid
dynamics and structural mechanics
simulations to capture the complex
interactions between blood flow and
arterial walls.
CFD models simulate blood flow in the
artery by dividing it into discrete
computational domains and using
numerical methods to solve the Navier-
Stokes equations governing fluid flow.
FSI models consider the interaction
between blood flow and the arterial wall,
which is important for investigating the
effects of wall deformation on blood flow
and WSS.
Both CFD and FSI models have limitations
and require assumptions to be made
about the geometry of the artery, blood
viscosity, and other factors.
8
WALL SHEAR Wall shear stress (WSS) is a key parameter that has been shown to play a critical
role in the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

STRESS WSS is defined as the force per unit area exerted by

the flowing blood on the inner wall of the artery.

Low WSS values have been associated with the development of atherosclerotic
plaques, while high WSS values may promote plaque rupture and thrombosis.

CFD and FSI techniques can be used to calculate WSS in coronary arteries by
solving the Navier-Stokes equations and applying appropriate boundary conditions.

Different calculation methods for WSS have been proposed, including the use of
different turbulence models, mesh resolutions, and inlet/outlet boundary conditions.

However, it is important to note that the accuracy of WSS calculations depends on the
assumptions made in the computational models and the quality of the input data.

9
Flow and WSS patterns at arterial
bifurcations, leading to endothelial
dysfunction and atherosclerotic plaque
development.

10
There are primarily two methods for diagnosing atherosclerosis, they are Invasive
methods such as Coronary angiography, Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) & Non-invasive
methods such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) & Computed tomography (CT) scan
etc. Invasive methods carry a higher risk of complications compared to non-invasive
methods.
These include bleeding, infection, and damage to the artery or surrounding

METHODOLOGY
tissues. However, it is important to note that while these diagnostic methods can
reveal where plaque has formed, they cannot predict plaque formation.

Computational and numerical methods, such as computational fluid dynamics

(CFD) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) modeling, can help predict the risk of
plaque formation in arteries.

11
CT SCAN, ANIOGRAM & IVUS

12
 PROPERTIES OF BLOOD
PULSATILE
BLOOD EXHIBITS
TEMPERATURE- LAMINAR &
37°C TURBULENT FLOW

DENSITY- 1060 SLIGHTLY

Kg/m3 COMPRESSIBLE

BLOOD IS VISO-ELASTIC
IN NATURE NON-NEWTONIAN

13
 BASIC STEPS

CFD simulation is composed of

three primary parts: the pre-
For Fluid structure interaction (FSI) a
processor, solver, and post-
solid solver is additionally employed,
processor.
and the fluid and solid solvers are
coupled together.

14
SOFTWARES

15
STEP 1
To study blood flow, the The solid domain is While the fluid and
first step involves constructed with a solid domains are
obtaining the three-
dimensional geometry of
thickness of 0.8 mm, discretized in 428,800
an idealized coronary based on an in vivo and 15,480 hexahedral
artery as shown in Figure. study. elements, respectively.

16
 STEP 2
Equations (1) and (2) explain the governing
principles for blood flow, which are the
continuity equations and the
incompressible Navier-Stokes equations.

To replicate the shear thinning behavior

of blood, the Carreau model was
employed, which is defined by Equation
(3)

17
…CONTD

In the stress tensor equation

The Cauchy stress tensor, denoted
(Equation 5), the first and second
by σ is involved in Equation (4),
Lamé parameters are denoted by
which governs the solid domain.
𝜆𝐿 and 𝜇𝐿, respectively.

18
..CONTD
When dealing with compressible materials, it is possible to
express the Lamé parameters in terms of Young's modulus (E)
and Poisson's coefficient (v) as shown below:

19
 PROPERTIES OF ARTERIAL WALL
LINEAR ELASTIC ANISOTROPIC HOMOGENOUS

MODULUS OF
DENSITY = 1120 Kg/m3 POISSION RATIO = 0.49
ELASTICITY = 3.77 MPA
20
MATHEMATICAL
FORMULATIONS For FSI, the Navier-Stokes momentum equation for viscous, incompressible flow was
modified using ALE and is described in Equation (8)
21
 The displacement and equilibrium forces at the interface are represented by
Eqs. (9) and (10).

The variables used in the context are Γ, which represents the displacement of the fluid at the
interface, 𝜇𝑆,Γ , which signifies the displacement of the solid at the interface, 𝑡𝑓,Γ , which

…CONTD represents the forces of, 𝑡𝑠,Γ , which signifies the forces of the solid on the interface.

22
 STEP 3- BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
The Ansys Fluent software was utilized for CFD simulations, employing the finite-volume discretization method.

At the inlet, a pulsating velocity profile was used which resembled physiological conditions which is illustrated in
figure.

At the outlet, a pressure of 80 mmHg was considered.

The solid and fluid walls were defined as a fluid-structure interface, while the inlet and outlet adjacent solid
boundaries were fixed in all directions.

The fluid is computed using the finite-volume method, while the solid domain is solved using the finite element
method.
23
STEP 4- HEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS
Wall Shear Stress (WSS),
The spatial WSS, 𝜏𝑤, is
Time-Averaged Wall
calculated by Eq. (11),
Shear Stress (TWASS),
being γ, the deformation
Oscillatory Shear Index
rate, and μ the dynamic
(OSI) are crucial
viscosity.
hemodynamics factors.

Using (12), we can The OSI index is the

calculate the TAWSS index temporal fluctuation of low
which provides an and high average shear
average evaluation of the stress during a cardiac cycle
WSS exerted throughout (T), and it is calculated by
a cardiac cycle (T). applying Eq. (13).

24
RESULTS &
DISCUSSIONS
Above figure displays the velocity profiles
measured at the center of the artery during
systole (0.4 s) and diastole (0.58 s) for both CFD
and FSI simulations.
The velocity profiles estimated for both models
are comparable and during diastole, the
measured velocities are higher than during
systole.

25
…CONTD

Following the analysis of the velocity profiles, velocity streamlines were generated to provide
insight into the behavior of blood flow, as depicted in figure. 26
…CONTD
Figure provides a comparison of the wall shear The results highlight significant differences
stress (WSS) magnitudes predicted by the FSI and
rigid models along the artery wall during systole
between the compliant and rigid-wall
and diastole. models.

27
 In Figure, the profiles of TAWSS obtained from both FSI and CFD
simulations are presented.

The findings indicate that TAWSS values are high at the stenosis throat
due to flow acceleration and high velocity gradient close to the wall.

…CONTD

28
…CONTD
Figure illustrates the OSI profiles for CFD and simulations, which reveal This indicates the presence of unsteady and oscillatory flow, which is
maximum values downstream of the stenosis. associated with a higher risk of atherosclerotic plaque development.

29
…CONTD
The displacement contours of the
arterial wall during systole and
diastole in FSI simulations are Initially, it is observed that the
illustrated in figure. displacements exhibit similarity in
both stages of the cycle.

30
 CONCLUSION
In this presentation, we have reviewed the current state of research on computational methods for investigating
hemodynamics in coronary arteries, with a focus on CFD and FSI techniques for determining WSS and other key parameters
to prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

We have seen that CFD and FSI techniques can provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between blood flow
and arterial walls and can help identify areas of high risk for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

In conclusion, CFD and FSI techniques offer a promising avenue for advancing our knowledge and improving our ability to
prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Continued research and development in this field will be crucial for realizing the
full potential of these techniques and for achieving better health outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease.

31
REFERENCES
• https://www.physio-pedia.com/Atherosclerosis
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/coronary-artery-bypass-
graft-surgery
• https://www.peoplehearthealth.com/blog/what-is-heart-attack-types-of-heart-attack-get-to-
know/
• Urschel, K.; Tauchi, M.; Achenbach, S.; Dietel, B. Investigation of Wall Shear Stress in Cardiovascular
Research and in Clinical Practice—From Bench to Bedside. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 5635.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22115635
• https://www.ansys.com/en-in
• https://www.materialise.com/en/healthcare/mimics-innovation-suite/mimics
• Carvalho, Violeta, et al. "Comparison of CFD and FSI simulations of blood flow in stenotic coronary
arteries." Computational Fluid Dynamics. IntechOpen, 2022.
32
 THANK YOU
FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS

33