A method for formulating realistic mathematical models based on arterial casts for the computational fluid mechanical studies on arterial flow and atherosclerosis

It is widely accepted that the computational fluid mechanics can provide a comprehensive view into delicate structures of blood flow. We report a new method for the formation of realistic mathematical models using vascular casts. The vascular casts were formed in rabbit carotid arteries with surgical constrictions. The three dimensional (3D) coordinate values of the surface of the casts were measured using a 3D measuring microscope system. The 3D coordinate values were fed into a computer and 3D models were constructed using partial ellipsoid curve interpolation. Preliminary results concerning the flow field in the model were calculated by solving the 3D Navier-Stokes equation using a finite volume method.