Modeling of platelet aggregation via a continuum approach
Description
Using a modified form of Fogelson's continuum model of platelet aggregation, this work investigated relationships between platelet aggregation and the Reynolds number of the flow, the ratio of the formation of interplatelet links to the destruction of interplatelet links, and the platelet activation rate. Numerical simulations were performed via the finite element method using the FreeFem+ programming environment, and the flow domain was a straight vessel with a portion of the wall transiently releasing ADP into the flow to stimulate aggregation. The growth of an aggregate was found to be inversely related to the inlet Reynolds number. As the inlet Reynolds number increased, the overall profile of the aggregate decreased along with the concentration of platelets within the aggregate. For a given inlet Reynolds number, an upper limit was found for the ratio of link formation to link destruction, beyond which a stable aggregate could not be formed. A similar trend was observed for the rate of platelet activation, with a maximum rate of platelet activation for each inlet Reynolds number. Collectively, a region of stability was determined for the parameter values of the model, and the results compared well with experimental data