Simulation model based on non-newtonian fluid mechanics applied to the evaluation of the embolic effect of emulsions of iodized oil and anticancer drug.
OBJECTIVE
To verify the difference in embolic effect between oil-in-water (O-W) and water-in-oil (W-O) emulsions composed of iodized oil and an anticancer drug, epirubicin, using a simulation model based on non-Newtonian fluid mechanics.


METHODS
Flow curves of pure iodized oil and two types of O-W and W-O emulsions immediately and 1 hr after preparation were examined with a viscometer. Using the yield stress data obtained, we simulated the stagnation of each fluid with steady flow in a rigid tube.


RESULTS
The W-O emulsions were observed to stagnate in the thin tube at a low pressure gradient. However, the embolic effect of the W-O emulsions decreased 1 hr after preparation. The O-W emulsions were stable and did not stagnate under the conditions in which the W-O emulsions stagnated.


CONCLUSIONS
The simulation model showed that the embolic effect of the W-O emulsions was superior to that of the O-W emulsions.
Demachi
H
H
Department of Radiology, Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital, Nishinagae 2-2-78, Toyama, 930-8550, Japan.
Matsui
O
O
Abo
H
H
Tatsu
H
H
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000628:therapy; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004655:Emulsions; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D006801:Humans; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000494:pharmacology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D008954:Models, Biological; D014783:Viscosity
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D003287:Contrast Media; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004655:Emulsions; D015251:Epirubicin; D007459:Iodized Oil; D007479:Iopamidol