Key Structural Features of Microvascular Networks Leading to the Formation of Multiple Equilibria.

ABSTRACT: We analyse mathematical models of blood flow in two simple vascular networks in order to identify structural features that lead to the formation of multiple equilibria. Our models are based on existing rules for blood rheology and haematocrit splitting. By performing bifurcation analysis on these simple network flow models, we identify a link between the changing flow direction in key vessels and the existence of multiple equilibria. We refer to these key vessels as redundant vessels, and relate the maximum number of equilibria with the number of redundant vessels. We vary geometric parameters of the two networks, such as vessel length ratios and vessel diameters, to demonstrate that equilibria are uniquely defined by the flow in the redundant vessels. Equilibria typically emerge in sets o

SUBMITTER: Atkinson G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11757897 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature