CompMath Seminar - Emiel Brinkhuis, Unversity of Groningen

Title: Enhancing Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies for Peripheral Arterial Disease through Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract:

This thesis investigates the utility of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to predict hemodynamic improvements in patients with multilevel Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) undergoing Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA). By analyzing a cohort of four patients with multilevel PAD, the study aims to evaluate the efficacy of resistance indices derived from CFD simulations as predictive markers for clinical decision-making, in comparison to traditional stenosis grades. The methodology involves the simulation of blood flow through the arterial systems of these patients, followed by the sequential opening of stenosed arteries based on decreasing resistance marker values. The findings suggest that resistance indices may provide comparable or potentially superior insights into the hemodynamic resistance of stenosed arteries, thereby facilitating enhanced clinical decision-making and potentially reducing overtreatment. The study, however, acknowledges its limitations, including the small sample size and assumptions in the experimental setup. Further research with a broader patient population is recommended to confirm these initial insights and to explore the potential of resistance indices in improving patient outcomes in PAD treatment.