Computer Modeling of Carotid Endarterectomy With the Different Shape Patches and Prediction of the Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation Zones

Abstract

The article describes a method for constructing geometric models of the carotid bifurcation and computer simulation of endarterectomy surgery with the patches of various configurations. The purpose of this work is to identify the areas of the greatest risk of restenosis in the constructed models and to conduct a comparative analysis of risk factors when using the patches of different widths and shapes. The method is demonstrated on a reconstructed model of a healthy vessel. Its building is based on a preoperative computed tomography study of a particular patient's affected vessel. The flow in the vessel is simulated by computational fluid dynamics using data from the patient's ultrasound Doppler velocimetry. Risk factors are assessed through the hemodynamic indices on the vessel wall associated with Wall Shear Stress. The distribution of risk zones in the healthy vessel, presumably leading to its observed lesion (plaque), is analyzed. Comparative evaluation of 10 various patches implantation results is carried out and the optimal variant is determined. The proposed method can be used to predict the hemodynamic results of surgery using patches of various sizes and shapes.