Towards sensitivity analysis: 3D venous modelling in the lower limb

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity frequently leads to long-term complications known as post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The current clinical workflow for DVT and PTS treatment lacks sufficient evidence. The significance of the variation in the venous anatomy is yet to be understood. We report an analysis of a set of idealised 3D geometries of iliac vein unification to assess the importance of shape variability, inflow conditions, and viscosity on local haemodynamics - specifically on the wall shear stress metrics. Regions of low wall shear stress and high oscillating shear index have been associated with prothrombotic effects on the walls of blood vessels. A detailed steady state analysis focused on the wall shear stress distributions below three thresholds (<0.15Pa,<0.10Pa<0.05[Pa]). The preliminary work in the transient state focused on the oscillating shear index above three thresholds (>0.25,>0.35,>0.45). We found that all the variations implemented had an effect on the size and shape of the absolute vein wall area subject to the shear metrics of choice under the assumed flow conditions. The results obtained in this research will serve as a basis for the interpretation of patient-specific geometries of the iliac vein unification affected by deep vein thrombosis.