Degree
Master of Science
Program
Medical Biophysics
Supervisor
Dr. Mair Zamir
2nd Supervisor
Dr. Tamie Poepping
Joint Supervisor
Abstract
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death in North America. Approximately half of all ischemic episodes are a direct result of carotid artery disease, which can be categorized into either obstructive or sclerotic disease. Obstructive disease is a result of plaque development that imposes a direct limitation on the physical space available for blood flow. Sclerotic disease involves the hardening of the arteries as is often a result of aging and disease. While the impact of vessel stiffening is not as obvious, it does interfere with wave propagation. Effects of obstructive and sclerotic disease were studied using a lumped parameter model that was designed to match an experimental in vitro flow loop. Mild to moderate stenosis had minimal impact on blood supply to the brain. Both stiffness of the carotid artery and severe stenosis ( 70%) had a significant reduction on blood supply to the brain (p<0.01).
Recommended Citation
Onaizah, Onaizah, "Blood Supply to the Brain via the Carotid Arteries: Examining Obstructive and Sclerotic Disorders using Theoretical and Experimental Models" (2015). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 3150.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/3150