Theoretical analysis of arterial hemodynamics including the influence of bifurcations

Abstract

The mathematical model of pulses propagating in an arterial conduit with discrete branches described in Part I is applied to an arterial pathway extending from the heart to the foot of a human adult. The pressure curves and flow patterns computed for a standard case are compared with data given in the literature and with noninvasive flow measurements. In particular, the abdominal aorta, the A. femoralis, the A. poplitea and the carotid branch are examined. The computed and measured flow patterns are found to be in good agreement. The results of a sensitivity analysis of the model reveal that the diameter variation of the conduit with distance from the heart exhibits the most predominant influence on the pulse shapes. The simulation of various stenoses as they may occur in the A. femoralis and A. iliaca including the influence of an eventual system of collateral vessels yields flow patterns which are confirmed by corresponding noninvasive measurements. By verifying the mass and energy balance at any instance of time the numerical accuracy of the computations is assessed. Moreover, the validity of the lumped parameter outflow model in troduced in Part I is established by applying the method of characteristics also to the side branches.