Title
Computer simulation of three-dimensional plaque formation and progression in the carotid artery.
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is becoming the number one cause of death worldwide. In this study, three-dimensional computer model of plaque formation and development for human carotid artery is developed. The three-dimensional blood flow is described by the Navier–Stokes equation, together with the continuity equation. Mass transfer within the blood lumen and through the arterial wall is coupled with the blood flow and is modeled by a convection–diffusion equation. The low-density lipoproteins transports in lumen of the vessel and through the vessel tissue are coupled by Kedem–Katchalsky equations. The inflammatory process is modeled using three additional reaction–diffusion partial differential equations. Fluid–structure interaction is used to estimate effective wall stress analysis. Plaque growth functions for volume progression are correlated with shear stress and effective wall stress distribution. We choose two specific patients from MRI study with significant plaque progression. Plaque volume progression using three time points for baseline, 3- and 12-month follow up is fitted. Our results for plaque localization correspond to low shear stress zone and we fitted parameters from our model using nonlinear least-square method. Determination of plaque location and composition, and computer simulation of progression in time for a specific patient shows a potential benefit for the prediction of disease progression. The proof of validity of three-dimensional computer modeling in the evaluation of atherosclerotic plaque burden may shift the clinical information of MRI from morphological assessment toward a functional tool. Understanding and prediction of the evolution of atherosclerotic plaques either into vulnerable or stable plaques are major tasks for the medical community.
Year
DOI
Venue
2013
10.1007/s11517-012-1031-4
Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing
Keywords
Field
DocType
Atherosclerosis, Carotid artery, Plaque formation and progression, Computer modeling, MRI
Shear stress,Carotid arteries,Disease progression,Lumen (unit),Artificial intelligence,Medicine,Computer vision,Continuity equation,Blood flow,Internal medicine,Cardiology,Radiology,Partial differential equation
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
51
6
1741-0444
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
11
1.40
5
Authors
6
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Nenad Filipovic15931.21
Zhongzhao Teng2265.54
Milos D Radović3307.47
Igor Saveljic4125.81
Dimitrios I. Fotiadis5941121.32
Oberdan Parodi65313.16