Finite element models for mechanical simulation of coronary arteries

Mechanical simulation of tissue in the walls of coronary arteries may provide valuable quantitative information for medical practice, such as understanding the evolution of stenosis, angioplasty processes, and placement of stents and possible restenosis. The material constitutive models which represent the mechanical response to strain are highly nonlinear as well as anisotropic, thus precluding standard finite element formulations with isotropic or linear elastic materials. Further, in order to study phenomena such as stenosis or restenosis, they must include essential phenomena in biological soft tissues such as growth and remodeling, as well as the consideration of initial stresses and strains. This paper discusses these issues and proposes some mathematical models for their mechanical simulation within a finite element framework. Some preliminary applications to the study of clinical cases are shown.