Computational mechanical analysis of the platelets adhesion mediated by vWF

Abstract

Platelets play an important role in blood coagulation, particularly in the formation of primary thrombi. It is thought that the aggregation of platelets, which initiates primary thrombi formation, is mediated by a macromolecule called von Willebrand Factor (vWF). We analyzed the mechanical interactions between platelets, the vessel wall, and vWF using a discrete element method (DEM) that can treat solid elements in a flow without assuming continuity, in order to establish guidelines for the design of artificial platelets. The DEM was thought to have the potential to simulate the discontinuous movement of blood constituents, such as platelets. This simulation displayed a very interesting phenomenon of the destruction of an aggregated thrombus under the influence of vWF.