Patient Specific Finite Element Modelling of the Carotid Bifurcation

Atherosclerosis frequently occurs at the carotid bifurcation and plaque rupture at this site is one of the leading causes of stroke. Over 50% of these strokes occur in asymptomatic patients and thus better indicators of the disease need to be developed. Finite element studies of arterial wall segments have provided key information on the biomechanics of arteries, from prediction of atherosclerotic plaque rupture [1] to the effectiveness of stents [2]. Most studies however have focused on simple straight arterial segments and few on complex geometries such as bifurcations or aneurysms. Studies which have addressed the carotid bifurcation have been based on either idealised geometries [3] or on a single patient specific geometry often generated from cadaveric material [4].