Computational methods are emerging as powerful tools for quantifying blood
flow in arteries for disease research, medical device design and treatment
planning. The motivation for quantifying hemodynamic conditions in the human
vascular system is presented. A computational method for modeling blood flow,
based on the theory of stabilized finite element methods, is detailed and shown to
yield excellent solutions as compared to laser Doppler anemometry experimental
flow data in a vascular bypass anastomosis. The blood flow field in an idealized
model of the abdominal aorta under resting and exercise pulsatile flow conditions
is quantified and the changes in shear stress discussed. Computational methods
are applied for vascular surgery planning by considering blood flow in alternative
treatments for a case of aorto-iliac occlusive disease. Finally, the significant
challenges that remain in applying computational methods to disease research,
device design, and treatment planning are discussed.