Blood flow analysis of the aortic arch using computational fluid dynamics in a coupled 3D-0D framework

Regions of the aortic arch affected by an aneurysm or dissection may require surgical intervention using vascular grafts, which includes a means of reperfusing the supra-aortic branch vessels, comprised of the left subclavian artery (LSA), left common carotid artery (LCCA) and brachiocephalic artery. Open surgical grafts are widely used in arch reconstruction yet the graft configuration which ensures optimal post-surgical perfusion is currently poorly understood. For example, peripheral organ ischaemia and post-operative malperfusion remain a concern. It is clear, therefore, that enhanced understanding of perfusion in patient-specific cases is critical to improving clinical practice and patient outcome