Temporal evolution of hemodynamics in murine arteriovenous fistula: A micro-CT based CFD study

In this study, we investigated the hemodynamic characteristics of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in murine models using micro-CT based computational fluid dynamics (CFD). By combining high-resolution micro-CT imaging with ultrasound flow measurements, our methodology offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional MRI-based approaches. CFD simulations performed at 7 and 21 days post-surgery revealed substantial temporal changes in both geometry and hemodynamics. Geometric analysis showed that the proximal artery diameter increased from 0.29 mm to 0.38 mm, whereas the initial 2 mm fistula segment showed a 21.6% decrease (0.74 mm to 0.58 mm). Blood flow through the AVF nearly doubled from 1.33 mL/min to 2.57 mL/min. Time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) peak values and locations changed from 142 Pa (day 7) within the proximal artery to 200 Pa (day 21) in the stenotic region. The oscillatory shear index (OSI) showed marked elevation at the anastomosis (increasing from 0.22 to 0.48), indicating disturbed flow development. An inverse relationship between TAWSS and OSI was identified, consistent with previous studies. Our methodology demonstrates the capability to analyze relationships between early hemodynamics and subsequent geometric changes. This approach can enable identification of regions susceptible to stenosis development and monitoring of AVF maturation, which can ultimately lead to quantitative metrics to evaluate surgical outcomes and early therapeutic interventions.