Three-dimensional modeling of the dynamics of therapeutic ultrasound contrast agents.
A 3-D thick-shell contrast agent dynamics model was developed by coupling a finite volume Navier-Stokes solver and a potential boundary element method flow solver to simulate the dynamics of thick-shelled contrast agents subjected to pressure waves. The 3-D model was validated using a spherical thick-shell model validated by experimental observations. We then used this model to study shell break-up during nonspherical deformations resulting from multiple contrast agent interaction or the presence of a nearby solid wall. Our simulations indicate that the thick viscous shell resists the contrast agent from forming a re-entrant jet, as normally observed for an air bubble oscillating near a solid wall. Instead, the shell thickness varies significantly from location to location during the dynamics, and this could lead to shell break-up caused by local shell thinning and stretching.
Hsiao
Chao-Tsung
CT
Dynaflow Inc., Jessup, MD 20794, USA. ctsung@dynaflow-inc.com
Lu
Xiaozhen
X
Chahine
Georges
G
D003287:Contrast Media; D045423:Microbubbles; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014783:Viscosity
D003287:Contrast Media