Experimental Study on the Steady Flow in the Carotid Siphon: The Geometric Effect on the Hemodynamics

Abstract

The siphon bend of internal carotid artery (ICA) has been reported as the most preferred location for stenoses. The geometry of the siphon is considered to be associated with the atherosclerotic stenos is. In the present study, the shape of ICA was classified into 3 types with different curvature and planarity. Accordingly, 3 siphon models were experimentally studied with particle image velocimetry technology. The velocity field of the experimental fluid in the models was measured to simulate the steady blood flow in the ICA siphon. The planarity was considered as an important geometric factor for stenoses, because the helical flow was found when the model has large non-planarity. The experimental measurement was validated with the computationally simulation. More geometric studies are necessary to elucidate the geometric effect on the hemodynamics and stenoses in the ICA siphon in the future.