Finite element simulation of blood flow in a carotid artery bifurcation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical simulation system for a clinical study of the carotid artery bifurcation. The finite element method is used to simulate blood flow in a complicated geometry. Blood flow is described by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and the simulation is carried out under unsteady flow conditions. In diseased vessels which are often the subject of interest, the arteries are even less compliant and wall motion is further reduced and the assumption of zero wall motion is utilized in most approximations. Traction free outflow conditions are used as simulations of blood flow and pressure in arteries require outflow boundary conditions, witch have significant influence on velocity and pressure fields, especially in 3D simulations. In the present work, biochemical and mechanical interactions between blood and vascular tissue are neglected. Hemodynamic of blood flow in the carotid bifurcation is considered under real flow conditions. Results from numerical modelling of blood flow through arteries using the developed finite element method are presented and validated.