Flow imaging of 3-dimensional coronary artery models using computational fluid dynamics-effect of coronary artery curvature

Although all portions of the coronary arteries are exposed to the same systemic risk factors, such as hypertension, lipid imbalance, etc., the distribution of atherosclerotic plaque within the coronary arteries is focal and eccentric. For many years it has been recognized that disturbed local hemodynamics, including low and reversed flow, primarily at branch points and at the inner surfaces of curved arterial segments, plays an important role in determining the distribution of atherosclerotic plaque. As part of an effort to create a new instrument for intracoronary flow imaging, the authors have used computational fluid dynamics to solve the Navier-Stokes equations for blood flow in realistically curved models of coronary arteries with various degrees of stenosis. The results demonstrate important effects of coronary artery curvature on intracoronary flow characteristics and demonstrate the feasibility of using these techniques for in vivo intracoronary flow imaging