Abstract

This work focuses on establishing a computational and theoretical framework for using COM-SOL Multiphysics in modeling arterial wall dynamics in order to better understand arterial tissue biomechanics. A physically accurate, three layered, axial-symmetric cross section of a coronary artery was considered. The composite material found in the three layers of the artery wall were defined using experimental data from studies done on human coronary arteries. This research primarily investigated the mechanical response of arteries to different levels of stress due to internal blood pressure and the contractile activity which is produced by the vascular smooth muscle (VSM), found in the medial layer of the artery wall. Our model simulates distinctive changes in each layer due to the stresses induced by hypertension and coronary artery spasms. This research also looks into the effects of intimal wall thickening on the overall stress distribution of the artery wall. VSM is very little understood and there have been no models, to the authors knowledge, that incorporate VSM and intimal dynamics in a human based model. Thus, this study elucidates the relationship between blood pressure and VSM by analyzing the stress distributions and the corresponding structural changes produced.

How to Cite