SIMULATION OF EMBOLIZATION PARTICLE TRAJECTORIES

A numerical simulation has been performed on the hemodynamics associated with embolization procedures. The flow geometry includes a multibranch artery which is upstream of a targeted tumor. During the procedure, drug-eluting particles are released into the local arterial geometry and are carried downstream by the flowing blood. The intention is to cause embolization of a daughter artery which feeds the tumor. As particles are injected into the blood stream, and as the embolization progresses, it is possible for the particulates to substantially alter the blood flow in the main artery. This alteration may lead to a maldistribution of blood flow and/or a diversion of the particulates from their intended target. The diversion of drug-eluting particulates may become severe as the particles accumulate near the targeted tumor. A consequence of the alteration of flow patterns is that diverted particulates may be sent to untargeted tissue which is otherwise healthy. The simulations completed here were verified with benchtop fluid-flow experiments. The results of the study suggest that late in the embolization procedure, a significant diversion of particulates occurs. Also, it was discovered that the degree of diversion was sensitive to the injection location in the upstream artery and the particle size but not to the injection velocity.