Graphics processing unit accelerated modeling of thrombus formation in cardiovascular systems using smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Cardiovascular diseases remain a global health threat, often due to uncontrolled thrombus formation. Understanding its biochemical, biological, and mechanical aspects is essential. Given the challenges of in-vivo studies, computational fluid dynamics has emerged as a cost-effective alternative. This research introduces a novel methodology for modeling thrombus formation and its growth, utilizing smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). The approach is optimized for execution on graphics processing unit, significantly reducing the runtime of time-intensive thrombus simulations. Herein, two distinct approaches—the penalty and dissipation approach—are applied to the thrombus growth, with a comparison made to determine the most suitable method. The penalty approach is based on a fibrin-linked velocity penalty term while in the dissipation approach the Einstein equation is linked with fibrin concentration. The model simulates the coagulation cascade by accounting for concentrations of key elements such as thrombin, prothrombin, fibrinogen, fibrin, and both activated and resting platelets. The implementation is carried out using the open-source DualSPHysics solver, incorporating the wall shear stress effects alongside thrombus development. To validate the model, simulations of thrombus formation were conducted in a backward-facing step and a microchannel. The results demonstrate the potential of SPH and the proposed approach in transforming thrombus modeling, particularly for predicting device-induced thrombosis. This research highlights its potential to advance the understanding of cardiovascular diseases and improve clinical outcomes.