Large eddy simulations of blood dynamics in abdominal aortic aneurysms

Dynamics of blood plays a major role in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), an enlargement of the abdominal aorta whose rupture could lead to fatal events [1]. In particular, specific wall shear stress (WSS) conditions regulate the production of nitric oxide [2], which is known to cause the loss of elastin which is at the root of aneurysm formation and growth; cause the activation of blood platelets [3], playing a central role in thrombus formation; and are responsible for anisotropic displacements of the aneurysmatic sac [4].

Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - July 12, 2017 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Christian Vergara, Davide Le Van, Maurizio Quadrio, Luca Formaggia, Maurizio Domanin Source Type: research