The increase in cross-sectional area within an arterial bifurcation is shown to be much larger than that predicted by the conventional area ratio β. Modified area ratios which better describe this increase are presented and their values are assessed both from theoretical considerations and from physiological data. The results suggest that the pressure rise within an arterial bifurcation may be much more severe than that suggested by the conventional area ratio β, and that local flow separation may be far more common. These conditions may adversely affect endothelial tissue and orderly flow within the bifurcation region.
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