Multiphase non-Newtonian effects on pulsatile hemodynamics in a coronary artery

Hemodynamic stresses are involved in the development and progression of vascular diseases. This study investigates the influence of mechanical factors on the hemodynamics of the curved coronary artery in an attempt to identify critical factors of non-Newtonian models. Multiphase non-Newtonian fluid simulations of pulsatile flow were performed and compared with the standard Newtonian fluid models. Different inlet hematocrit levels were used with the simulations to analyze the relationship that hematocrit levels have with red blood cell (RBC) viscosity, shear stress, velocity, and secondary flow. Our results demonstrated that high hematocrit levels induce secondary flow on the inside curvature of the vessel. In addition, RBC viscosity and wall shear stress (WSS) vary as a function of hematocrit level. Low WSS was found to be associated with areas of high hematocrit. These results describe how RBCs interact with the curvature of artery walls. It is concluded that although all models have a good approximation in blood behavior, the multiphase non-Newtonian viscosity model is optimal to demonstrate effects of changes in hematocrit. They provide a better stimulation of realistic blood flow analysis. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.