Fibrin polymerization in blood coagulation-a statistical model.

Abstract

A theoretical model for the growth of fibrin clots is derived. The model is based on a statistical description of the polymerization process underlying the formation of the fibrin polymeric network. The model provides insights regarding the role of various factors, such as thrombin concentration, plasmin concentration, and the local shear rate in the coagulation process. In particular, the effect of these factors on the mechanical properties of the clot is studied. Numerical results are in very good agreement with quantitative and qualitative experimental observations. Importantly, no fitting parameters are used, and all model parameters, such as fibrin persistence length and monomer size, are in accordance with experimental reports.