Effect of in vivo flow dynamics on angiogenesis by computational modeling

This work represents the role that flow dynamics play in the process of angiogenesis during vascular remodeling. We have developed a method to simultaneously image blood flow dynamics and vascular morphology over a period of 12-16 hours in the remodeling vasculature of avian embryos. The data is combined in a computational model that allows us to calculate parameters such as shear stress, pressure and vorticity in real time and during the entire cardiac cycle. We find that sprouts always form from a vessel at lower pressure towards a vessel at higher pressure.