Dynamic mathematical modeling of mural thrombogenesis over type I collagen
Zaidi, Tabish Naseem
McIntire, Larry V.
Master of Science thesis
We have developed a transient computational model of mural thrombogenesis, simulating whole blood flow in real time in a parallel plate flow chamber. Finite element computational methods were utilized to solve governing partial differential equations of mass conservation and fluid flow. The spatial and temporal variation of concentrations of four platelet agonists known to be synthesized by or released from activated platelets (ADP, vWF, thromboxane A$\sb2$ and thrombin) were computed. The embolizing shear, tensile stresses and torque acting on the aggregates due to fluid forces caused by blood flow were also quantitated. The maximum thrombin concentrations (occurring in stagnating fluid pockets proximal to the thrombi) at the end of two minute blood perfusion are more than 800 fold larger compared to those required for irreversible platelet aggregation in vitro (1-3 nM) under all blood flow conditions. While ADP and vWF might only be important at the initial stages of thrombogenesis and at lower wall shear rates, TxA$\sb2$ concentrations by themselves are not sufficient to cause platelet activation. All fluid stresses increase with wall shear rates and are independent of time. The torque on platelet thrombi increases with time and wall shear rate.
Engineering, Chemical; Engineering, Biomedical