A Complex Automata approach for in-stent restenosis: Two-dimensional multiscale modelling and simulations

In-stent restenosis, the maladaptive response of a blood vessel to injury caused by the deployment of a stent, is a multiscale system involving a large number of biological and physical processes. We describe a Complex Automata model for in-stent restenosis, coupling bulk flow, drug diffusion, and smooth muscle cell models, all operating on different time scales. Details of the single scale models and of the coupling interfaces are described, together with first simulation results, obtained with a dedicated software environment for Complex Automata simulations. Preliminary results show that the model can reproduce growth trends observed in experimental studies and facilitate testing of hypotheses concerning the interaction of key factors.

Research highlights► Complex Automata (CxA): multiscale modelling approach based on decomposition of a multiscale process in many single-scale models. ► Application to in-stent restenosis: 2D model involving a blood flow solver, drug diffusion solver and Smooth Muscle Cells solver, mutually coupled. ► Multiscale coupling library: software environment dedicated to CxA modelling. ► Preliminary testing and trends validation.