Computational analysis of the coronary artery hemodynamics with different anatomical variations

Abstract Hemodynamic parameters have been identified as a significant determinant in the development and progression of plaque, which leads to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to use computational modeling to investigate how geometrical variations influence intravascular and near-wall hemodynamics. Branch angles and tortuosities were varied in idealized models of both bifurcations and trifurcations. Four patient-specific models with bifurcation (70°, 95°, and 135°) and trifurcation (90°) geometries were also computed. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed for idealized and patient-specific geometries to simulate physiological conditions, enabling the quantification of local hemodynamics, including threshold analysis. The branch angle has a significant impact on the locations of adverse hemodynamics in the idealized and patient-specific cases. The angulation of different geometries influences the formation of low-velocity regions, which is more prominent in the trifurcation geometries opposite to the carina. Helicity intensity demonstrates a significant positive correlation with bifurcation (r = 0.94, P   0.2, and relative residence time (RRT) > 4.17 Pa-1 is observed with increasing branch angles, and the magnitude is more prominent for trifurcation arteries. Arterial tortuosity influences the formation of helicity intensity and promotes atheroprotectivity by decreasing the area exposed with near-wall descriptors. In conclusion, geometrical changes, including the branch angle and tortuosity, have a significant impact on local hemodynamics of the left coronary artery (LCA) and its correlation with atherosclerosis formation.