Numerical investigation of blood flow in the distal end of an axis-deviated arterial bypass model

Blood flow characteristics in an axis-deviated artery bypass model were studied numerically and compared with those in a conventional bypass model. The numerical results revealed that a pronounced swirl flow was created in the host artery by the geometrical configuration of the axis-deviated bypass. The swirl flow created in the axis-deviated bypass model altered the overall flow pattern and eliminated the slow recirculation zone with low wall shear stress existing in the conventional model on the host artery floor where there is disturbed flow known to be associated with the development of intimal thickening and hyperplasia. The numerical study therefore suggests that by intentionally introducing swirl flows into the bypassed arteries, the adverse effects along the host artery floor can be suppressed.