ARTreat project: Three-dimensional numerical simulation of plaque formation and development in the arteries

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in arteries. It is characterized by dysfunction of endothelium, vasculitis and accumulation of lipid, cholesterol and cell elements inside blood vessel wall. In this study a continuum based approach for plaque formation and development in three-dimension is presented. The blood flow is simulated by the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, together with the continuity equation while LDL transport in lumen of the vessel is coupled with Kedem-Katchalsky equations. The inflammatory process was solved using three additional reaction-diffusion partial differential equations. Three-dimensional model of the straight artery with initial mild constriction of 30% plaque for formation and development is presented.