Computational Assessment of Hemodynamics in Asymmetric-type Lesion of Idealized Coronary Stenoses

TL;DR

This study uses computational fluid dynamics to analyze how different asymmetric and symmetric coronary stenosis geometries affect blood flow patterns, stresses, and pressures, highlighting the importance of morphology in diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Contribution

It provides a detailed comparison of hemodynamics in various idealized stenosis configurations, emphasizing the significance of morphology in CFD analysis and clinical applications.

Findings

Asymmetric stenoses cause more flow disruption and higher wall shear stress.

Symmetric stenoses exhibit more uniform flow and lower vortex formation.

Morphological differences significantly influence hemodynamic profiles despite similar lumen reduction.

Abstract

Coronary artery stenosis, characterized by the narrowing of the lumen, significantly affects blood flow and contributes to the progression of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigates the hemodynamics of coronary artery models with varying stenosis configurations, all maintaining an 80% lumen reduction, to determine how differences in morphology influence flow behavior and mechanical stresses. We employed computational fluid dynamics to analyze five idealized geometries with (10% & 70%), (20% & 60%), (30% & 50%), (40% & 40%), and (0% & 80%) stenosis configurations. Through physiological pulsatile flow conditions, we evaluated key hemodynamic pattern including velocity profiles, wall shear stress, and pressure distribution. Our results reveal that despite the same degree of lumen reduction, each stenosis configuration produced distinct flow patterns and hemodynamic profiles. Asymmetric configurations, such as 10% & 70% and 20% & 60%, exhibited pronounced flow disruptions and higher wall shear stress at the stenosis throats, while symmetric configurations, such as 40% & 40%, demonstrated more uniform flow and reduced vortex. Our findings challenge the practice of generalizing results across stenosis configurations without accounting for morphological variations, which is prevalent in many CFD studies using idealized models. This study emphasizes the importance of considering stenosis-specific morphology in CFD analyses and clinical interpretations to enhance the accuracy of diagnostic tools, improve personalized treatment planning, and guide the design of medical devices such as stents.