Atherosclerotic lesions are non-uniformly distributed at arterial bends and branch sites, suggesting an important role for hemodynamic factors, particularly wall shear stress (WSS), in their development. The pattern of lesions at aortic branch sites depends on age and species. Using computational flow simulations around idealized and anatomically correct arteries, where in-vivo lesion patterns are also available, we studied the hemodynamic environment and its sensitivity to different blood flow and geometric parameters. Aspects of the observed WSS patterns correlate well with, and may explain, some but not all of the lesion patterns seen in human, rabbit and mouse aortas.
Dr Asimina Kazakidi obtained her first degree in Physics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She then gained an MSc in Engineering and Physical Science in Medicine at Imperial College London, UK. She obtained her PhD in Bio?uid Dynamics from the Department of Aeronautics, also at Imperial College, in 2008. She is currently working as a post-doctoral research associate at the National Heart and Lung Institute in UK. Her position is within the cardiovascular science research theme funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
