Blood vessel modeling.

We developed a computer program for calculating hemodynamic parameters in a segment of vessel or catheter using Poiseuille's Law. The program analyzes flow, pressure, flow velocity, total fluid volume, pulse pressure, resistance and Reynolds number in a segment of vessel. The user can dilate or constrict at any position along its length for modeling stenoses or aneurysms. Viscosity, fluid density, length, and intrinsic radius can be varied to simulate atherosclerotic vessels. Idealized linear hemodynamics of an abdominal aortic aneurysm or a coarcted aorta can be modeled from angiographic data. Interactive results are displayed graphically and can be printed for future reference. The program can estimate catheter, graft or vascular resistances, flow velocity in atherogenic arteries, and the likelihood of achieving laminar flow.