Hydrodynamic Behavior of Blood Components in Elastic Vessels

Abstract

The circulatory system’s intricate network of elastic vessels is governed by complex hydrodynamic phenomena that are crucial for tissue perfusion and physiological homeostasis. This review synthesizes findings from high-impact clinical observations and advanced computational modeling, focusing on the multi-physics approach of Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) to understand cardiovascular health and disease. The article discusses the non-Newtonian rheology of blood, pulsatile flow dynamics, and the impact of arterial stiffness on pulse wave velocity. It also explores the hydrodynamic behaviors of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins, and how computational modeling, particularly Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and FSI, provides insights into clinical applications. The review reveals that altered hemodynamics are fundamental drivers of cardiovascular disease and that computational models, especially FSI, are indispensable for accurate simulation and clinical application, highlighting the need for further research into mechanobiology and personalized medicine.