LOCALIZATION OF EARLY ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS IN AORTIC-ARCH IN LIGHT OF FLUID-FLOW

The blood flow characteristics of the human aortic arch region have been simulated on an open channel flow model. Experiments indicate the existence of five separation regions and four stagnation regions. It is postulated that the atherosclerotic formations may commence and develop at these locations. To prove the thesis the early history of the atherosclerotic formations within the aortic arch of the rabbit have been, in vivo, experimentally determined. It was found that the atherosclerotic formations of the rabbit do commence and develop at locations where there are separation and stagnation regions. As the consequence of the geometrical, flow and functional similarity, it is expected that the atherosclerotic formations within the aortic arch of the human will begin and develop at similar locations.