Pathological Tortuosity of the Carotid Artery: Hemodynamics, Morphometry, and Tissue Mechanics

The project focuses on the interaction between blood flow, vessel shape, and the mechanical properties of the vessel wall at the carotid bifurcation. These factors influence one another: Individual vessel geometry can cause local changes in blood flow, which lead to increased mechanical stress on the vessel wall. Such stresses can impair the function of endothelial cells and trigger pathological remodeling of the vessel. Similar processes are known to occur in the development of atherosclerosis and can, over the long term, lead to the formation of deposits, thickening of the vessel wall, or blood clots, which further restrict blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.