Conformation of vWF in Converging/Diverging Channel

Undesired thrombus formation in arteries poses a significant challenge in managing cardiovascular diseases. The biomechanical behavior of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), a crucial protein involved in hemostasis, plays a critical role in mediating platelet adhesion and aggregation under flow conditions, thereby contributing to the pathological thrombus formation in arterial vessels. In this study, we employ numerical simulations to study the conformation of vWF as it passes through a converging/diverging pipe. The peak shear rates in the straight section upstream of the converging /diverging segment of the pipe are set well below the critical shear rate of the vWF being studied. Conversely, in the throat of the converging/diverging section wall shear rates are well above the critical shear rate. By simulating these flow conditions, we observe how vWF reacts to short bursts of high shear, analyzing cases where vWF extends and doesn’t extend in response to these shear bursts. Subsequently, we identify the conformations that more readily respond to shear. Understanding the complex interplay between vWF and its biomechanical properties in pathologically relevant geometries is crucial for elucidating thrombotic mechanisms and developing targeted interventions.