RT Journal Article A1 Schreiner, Wolfgang A1 Neumann, Friederike A1 Neumann, Martin A1 Karch, Rudolf A1 End, Adelheid A1 Roedler, Susanne M. T1 Limited Bifurcation Asymmetry in Coronary Arterial Tree Models Generated by Constrained Constructive Optimization JF Journal of General Physiology JO J Gen Physiol YR 1997 DO 10.1085/jgp.109.2.129 VO 109 IS 2 SP 129 OP 140 SN 0022-1295 AB Models of coronary arterial trees are generated by the algorithm of constrained constructive optimization (CCO). In a given perfusion area a binary branching network of straight cylindrical tubes is generated by successively adding terminal segments to the growing structure. In each step the site of connection is chosen according to an optimization target function (total intravascular volume), and in any stage of development the tree fulfills physiologic boundary conditions (constraints involving pressures, flows and bifurcation rules). CCO generates structures which in many aspects resemble real coronary arterial trees, except for very asymmetric bifurcations, occurring when a large branch gives off a tiny terminal segment. In the present work we evaluate an additional constraint within CCO, namely imposing a limit on the asymmetry of bifurcations during the construction process. Model trees are grown with different limits imposed, and the effects on structure are studied both phenomenologically and via statistical descriptors. As the limit to asymmetry is tightened, blood is conveyed to the perfusion sites via detours rather than directly and the comparison with measured data shows the structure to change from a conveying to a delivering type of function. Simultaneously total intravascular volume, surface and sum of segments' lengths increase. It is shown why and how local bifurcation asymmetry is able to determine the global structure of the optimized arterial tree model. Surprisingly, the pressure profile from inlet to terminals, being a functional characteristic, remains unaffected. RD 3/29/2024 UL https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.109.2.129