Coupling Computational Fluid Dynamics and Agent Based Modelling in Analysing the Progression of Stenosis in Blood Flow

Abstract

Coronary artery disease is one of the cardiovascular diseases caused by stenosis that forms in the artery due to fatty substances and cholesterol. This condition can lead to death. The development and progression of stenosis significantly depend on the blood flow within the artery. The present study aims to simulate the interaction between the progression of stenosis and blood flow using the Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) technique. ABM, widely utilized in social science and dynamical systems, is applied here to simulate this progression. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to compute the behaviour of blood flow in the artery. The essential data generated, such as wall shear stress, is then incorporated into the ABM to simulate the developmental progression of stenosis. The results reveal that ABM can effectively simulate the progression of stenosis due to blood flow. Additionally, changes in the geometry of the stenosis alter the characteristics of the blood flow passing through it. Understanding the interaction between blood flow and stenosis progression is crucial for developing advanced treatments for coronary artery disease.