Analyses for simulation-based solution of fluid-structure interaction in percutaneous coronary intervention

Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis is of great significance for the clinical practice of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study the finite element method (FEM) model of Y-shaped coronary artery is established and the solution methodology of FSI analysis is presented in detail, and then the FSI analyses are performed to get quantities of interest by analyzing the three main effect factors of PCI, thereby to get preferred intervention pattern. The formula to calculate the coefficient of fluctuation δ, is proposed and employed to characterize the oscillation properties of the guide wire (GW) structure. A total of 48 different working condition cases have been simulated numerically using the established method, and a comprehensive analysis on the comparison of variables with different effect factors has been presented. It has been shown that the oscillation phenomena of blood flow force and displacement are found; and, for vascular stenosis, the phenomenon of recirculation is also found for all of the cases at the bifurcation owing to the existence of plaque. For initial observations, the main branch (MB) entry means seems to be one good means, which can be used for initial detection of vascular stenosis or obstruction. For vascular stenosis, three comparisons are made and discussed, and the variation laws can be used to give application guidance. In addition, a trial test has also been performed to indirectly verify the reliability of the simulation results. This work can provide insights useful for the control and setting of catheter/GW operation in PCI, especially for surgical assisted robot.