Haemodynamical stress in mouse aortic arch with atherosclerotic plaques: Preliminary study of plaque progression

• DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2014.07.004
• Publication Date: 2014-08-02T20:41:09Z
• Authors: P. Assemat; K.K. Siu; J.A. Armitage; S.N. Hokke; A. Dart; J. Chin-Dusting; K. Hourigan
• Keywords: Brachiocephalic artery; Pulsatile flow

Atherosclerotic plaques develop at particular sites in the arterial tree, and this regional localisation depends largely on haemodynamic parameters (such as wall shear stress; WSS) described literature. Plaque rupture can result heart attack or stroke hence understanding development vulnerability of atherosclerotic is critically important. The purpose study to characterise haemodynamics blood flow mouse aortic arch using numerical modelling. geometries are digitalised from synchrotron imaging realistic pulsatile considered under rigid assumptions. Two cases considered; arteries with without plaque. Mice that fed fat diet present whose size dependent number weeks diet. plaque distribution region however relatively constant through different samples. This underlines influence geometry consequently stresses for formation growing relative low stresses. A discussion field real presence absence conducted. was shown alter WSS distribution, regions localised high WSS, mainly brachiocephalic artery where luminal narrowing most pronounced. In addition, induce recirculation flow, a phenomenon potential progression plaques. oscillatory index residence time have been calculated show arch, an approach may be useful future studies progression.