Prediction of Thrombus Growth: Effect of Stenosis and Reynolds Number

In this study, a shear-dependent continuum model for platelet activation, adhesion and aggregation is presented. The model was first verified under three different shear conditions and at two heparin levels. Three-dimensional simulations were then carried out to evaluate the performance of the model for severely damaged (stripped) aortas with mild and severe stenosis degrees in laminar flow regime. For these cases, linear shear-dependent functions were developed for platelet-surface and platelet –platelet adhesion rates. It was confirmed that the platelet adhesion rate is not only a function of Reynolds number (or wall shear rate) but also the stenosis severity of the vessel. General correlations for adhesion rates of platelets as functions of stenosis and Reynolds number were obtained ba sed on these cases. Finally using the new platelet adhesion rates, the model was applied to different experimental systems and shown to agree well with measured platelet deposition.
Source: Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research