Separated Flow in Large Arteries

Abstract

The main vascular pathologies in large arteries involve the presence of boundary layer separation, which gives rise to local fluid dynamic phenomena that escape from description based on simple models. Arteriosclerosis develops more frequently in regions that present anomalous spatiotemporal distribution of wall shear stress that is typically imputable to boundary layer separation. On the basis of this, the sites at higher risk of atherosclerosis are discussed. Then the fluid dynamics associated with the presence of stenosis, a local narrowing of a vessel due to arteriosclerosis, is described. The modifications following the different therapeutic options in the carotid and coronary arteries are discussed. Similarly, blood flow patterns that develop in the different types of aneurysms, a local enlargement of the vessel due to wall weakening, are described. They are discussed in relation to aneurism evolution and to therapeutic solutions.