Artificial Vascular Bifurcations – Design and Modelling

Sharp corners in additive manufactured (AM) bifurcated vascular networks cause mechanical aggregation and unrealistic numerical results. A novel parametric bifurcation model was adapted in this paper to generate 3D rounded bifurcations that would solve this problem. Parameters and control variables in the parametric model were selected according to the design rules and the extended parametric map. Preliminary computational fluid dynamic studies were carried out in order to link hydrodynamic risks with local geometry designs. Both positive and negative aspects were found in such designs.