Sensitivity analysis of 3D MRI-based models with fluid-structure interactions for human atherosclerotic coronary and carotid plaques
aMathematical Sciences Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester MA 01609, USA bMathematics Deptartment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China cMallinkcrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA dDepartment of Surgery, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA eDepartment of Pathology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA fDepartment of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
ABSTRACT
Accuracy and reliability are extremely important when computational models are used to analyze biological systems and make diagnostic decisions and clinical predictions. In this paper, sensitivity analysis is performed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based three-dimensional (3D) models with multi-component plaque structure and fluid-structure interactions (FSI) to quantify effects of various controlling factors on stress/strain distributions in human atherosclerotic coronary and carotid plaques. Our quantitative results indicate that plaque morphology and structure, vessel and plaque material properties, and pressure conditions all have considerable effects on flow and plaque stress/ strain behaviors. This FSI multi-component model provides more complete stress/strain analysis and better interpretation of information from magnetic resonance images and may lead to more accurate plaque vulnerability assessment and rupture predictions.
Keywords:
Atherosclerotic plaque; Coronary; Carotid; Artery; MRI; Fluid-structure interactions