Alireza Jafarinia

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening health condition caused by occurrence of a rupture in the innermost layer of aortic wall. As it is shown in Figure 1, aortic dissection leads to development of a new blood flow region called false lumen. The local hemodynamic conditions in the false lumen might contribute to the formation of a thrombus (Figure 2). Thrombus formation is a complex phenomenon consisting of many biological and chemical processes. Most importantly, it is shown that the level of thrombosis in the false lumen affects patient prognosis (Menichini et al 2016). Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of thrombosis is of great importance. My goal is to accomplish effective numerical methods for simulation of thrombus growth and to evaluate the likelihood of thrombus formation in the false lumen. Currently, I am developing a numerical model capable of capturing thrombus formation and growth in the case of aortic dissection using OpenFOAM software.

My project is a part of the lead project “Mechanics, Modelling and Simulation of Aortic Dissection”. The lead project integrates the expertise from ten institutes of five faculties of Graz University of Technology. The outcome of our work as a team provides an advanced computational framework for clinicians which assists them with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of AD patients.