CFD analysis of non-Newtonian blood flow through human carotid artery bifurcation: Carotid sinus susceptible to atherosclerosis

Fat accumulation on the arteries' walls has become a serious health concern. This study conducted an in-depth hemodynamic analysis to identify the regions of a human carotid artery most susceptible to fat accumulation or atherosclerosis, considering the following factors: blood velocity, secondary flow regions, pressure, and wall shear stress. The hemodynamic analysis used a generalized geometric model to analyze these factors at various locations within the carotid bifurcation over different time points. Results showed that the bifurcation region is comparatively more affected by the factors contributing to atherosclerosis. Especially, the sinus region experiences all the key factors: a larger secondary flow, higher blood pressure, lower mean WSS, and lower fluctuation in temporal WSS. The findings indicate that the bifurcation region, particularly the sinus is prone to fat accumulation. These results are consistent with clinical observations, emphasizing the bifurcation and sinus regions as key sites for plaque accumulation. Insights from this analysis will serve as a foundation for optimizing geometric models of bifurcated arteries to improve blood flow and, consequently, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.