Modelling the interaction of haemodynamics and the Artery Wall: Current status and future prospects

Abstract

The arterial wall is exposed to mechanical forces associated with the flowing blood. In vivo the artery is subject to an axial load, a wall stress in the circumferential direction due to the internal pulsatile pressure and a frictional stress, the wall shear stress, generated by the moving blood. The cells are sensitive to changes in the magnitude and frequency of these stresses which are important modulators of cell function.

Deviation of the mechanical environment of the cells from homeostatic levels stimulates vessel wall remodeling, increasing the production of structural proteins and degradative enzymes until a new homeostatic state is achieved. The haemodynamic environment can give rise to deleterious remodeling, for example, atherosclerosis or aneurysms.

Clinical research has historically focused on the two main strategies of in vivo and in vitro experimentation. The concept of applying scientific theory to direct clinical applications is relatively recent. In this paper we focus on the interaction of wall shear stress with the endothelium and discuss how ‘state of the art’ computer modeling techniques can provide valuable data to aid understanding. Such data may be used to inform experiment and further, may help identify the key features of this complex system.