Flow-induced dynamics of bifurcated coronary arteries

As one of the largest causes of death and morbidity globally, cardio-vascular diseases have become one of the largest economic burdens on society; hence, developing an understanding of its initiation and progression is important. Of these diseases, atherosclerosis and plaque rupture require particular attention, with the bifurcation regions the most clinically significant risk areas. To date, the inclusion of the three-dimensional motion of the heart into coronary artery biomechanical models has been limited. To address the challenges posed, a nonlinear, three-dimensional, fluid-structure interaction model of the left main artery bifurcation is presented using the finite element method. Results showed over a 150% increase in von Mises stress caused by including three-dimensional heart motion. Wall shear stress and pressure distribution varied; however maximum magnitude was comparable to that without three-dimensional motion. These results are significant for developing accurate biomechanical models of coronary arteries capable of one day predicting the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture.