COMPUTED NUMERICAL-ANALYSIS OF THE BIOMECHANICAL EFFECTS ON CORONARY ATHEROGENESIS USING HUMAN HEMODYNAMIC AND DIMENSIONAL VARIABLES

The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate biomechanical fa ctors in the atherosclerotic process using human in vivo hemodynamic p arameters and computed numerical simulation qualitatively and quantita tively. The three-dimensional spatial patterns of steady and pulsatile flows in the left coronary artery were simulated, using a finite volu me method. Coronary angiogram and Doppler ultrasound measurement of th e proximal left coronary flow velocity were performed in humans. Inlet wave velocity distribution obtained from in vivo data of the intravas cular Doppler study allowed for input of in vitro numerical simulation . Hemodynamic variables, such as flow velocity, pressure and shear str ess of the left anterior descending coronary bifurcation site were cal culated. We found that there were spatial fluctuation of flow-velocity and recirculation areas at the curved outer wall of the left anterior descending coronary artery, which were due to the differences of flow -velocity and shear stress, especially during the deceleration phase o f pulsatile flow. This study suggests that theologic properties may be a part of the atherogenic process in the coronary bifurcated and curv ed areas.