Modeling and simulation of blood flow in unhealthy elliptic arteries with computational fluid dynamics approach.

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of varying degrees of stenosis on blood flow within elliptic arteries, emphasizing the critical role of artery shape in clinical evaluations as opposed to the commonly studied circular arteries. Unlike prior work, this research offers a precise definition of stenosis by incorporating the measured length, height, and position of the narrowing. Employing the non-Newtonian Williamson fluid model, we conducted comprehensive numerical simulations to examine blood flow through four distinct stenosis formations. The novelty of this work lies in its accurate modeling of stenosis and use of advanced mesh generation, combined with commercial software and the finite volume method, to capture detailed hemodynamic behavior. Visualized results, including pressure profiles, velocity line graphs, and streamlines, further underscore the distinctive flow dynamics shaped by the elliptic geometry. Key findings of the obtained results reveal that blood velocity peaks near the stenosis and drops significantly post-stenosis, with notable variations in flow patterns, energy loss, and pressure distribution across different stenosis types. Further, higher velocity of blood flow is observed in elliptic arteries in comparison with circular ones. In the area of the high corners of stenotic segments, the pressure profile reaches high values. As a result of the narrowing of the arterial cross-section, the varied time shows that the post-stenotic segment of the artery has a higher pressure than the pre-stenotic section. The varied time suggests that an axially symmetric profile will eventually be the norm for the flow within the arterial portion. These insights have profound implications for improving clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions related to stenosed elliptic arteries.