FIGURE 6.

Results of the computational fluid dynamics–agent-based model (CFD-ABM) framework of atherosclerosis by Corti et al. (2020). At the top, the idealized 3D geometry of a superficial femoral artery is represented, with the wall shear stress (WSS) luminal distribution computed from steady-state CFD simulation. At the bottom, the ABM temporal evolution of three representative cross-sections is presented at day 0, 30 and 60. Greater plaque formation and lumen area reduction is obtained at luminal regions exposed to low WSS, such as downstream from the curvature (planes B and C). The planes involved in the atherogenic process (planes B and C) present an asymmetric plaque characterized by the presence of a well-defined lipid core (in yellow) and an increased intimal extracellular matrix (ECM) and smooth muscle cell (SMC) content (blue and light-blue, respectively).