This study reports on Computational Fluid Dynamics in the case of severe Renal Artery Stenosis

What is it about?

An anatomically realistic model of a renal artery was reconstructed from CT scans, and used to conduct CFD simulations of blood flow across RAS. The recently developed shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model was pivotally applied in the simulation of blood flow in the region of interest. Blood flow was studied in vivo under the presence of RAS and subsequently in simulated cases before the development of RAS, and after endovascular stent implantation.

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Why is it important?

The presence of RAS increased flow resistance, which led to considerably lower blood flow rates. A simulated stent in place of the RAS decreased the flow resistance. The wall shear stresses, differential pressure profiles, and net forces exerted on the surface of the atherosclerotic plaque at peak pulse were shown to be of relevant high distinctiveness, so as to be considered potential indicators of hemodynamically significant RAS.