Numerical Simulation of Platelet Deposition in the False Lumen in Case of Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening health condition caused by occurrence of a rupture in the innermost layer of aortic wall. Aortic dissection leads to development of a new blood flow region called false lumen. In the current work, several cases of aortic dissections are investigated in 2D idealized geometries taken from [1]. Biochemical model developed by Sorensen et al. [2] is successfully implemented in OpenFOAM software. Variation of platelets and agonists concentrations are compared with results published in [3]. It is shown that the change in hemodynamic conditions in the false lumen effectively boosts platelet activation and aggregation in special regions. As a consequence, an increase in the likelihood of thrombus formation is expected. These regions are explored and discussed marking recirculation regions as having the highest chance of blood coagulation. [1] Menichini C., Xu Y. X. Mathematical modelling of thrombus formation in idealized models of aortic dissection: initial findings and potential. J. Math. Biol. 73:1205-1226 (2016). [2] Sorensen E. N., Burgreen G. W., Wagner W. R. & Antaki J. F. Computational simulation of platelet deposition and activation: I. Model development and properties. Ann Biomed Eng 27, 436–448 (1999). [3] Sorensen E. N., Burgreen G. W., Wagner W. R. & Antaki J. F. Computational simulation of platelet deposition and activation: II. Results for Poiseuille flow over collagen. Ann Biomed Eng 27, 449–458 (1999).