title: A new catheter for tumor-targeting with radioactive microspheres in representative hepatic artery systems--part II: solid tumor-targeting in a patient-inspired hepatic artery system.
abstract: In this second part, the methodology for optimal tumor-targeting is further explored, employing a patient-inspired hepatic artery system which differs significantly from the idealized configuration discussed in Part I. Furthermore, the fluid dynamics of a microsphere supply apparatus is also analyzed. The best radial catheter positions and particle-release intervals for tumor targeting were determined for both the idealized and patient-inspired configurations. This was accomplished by numerically analyzing generated particle release maps (PRMs) for ten equally spaced intervals throughout the pulse. As in Part I, the effects of introducing a catheter were also investigated. In addition to the determination of micro-catheter positioning and, hence, optimal microsphere release, a microsphere-supply apparatus (MSA) was analyzed, which transports the particles to the catheter-nozzle, considering different axial particle injection functions, i.e., step, ramp, and S-curve. A refined targeting methodology was developed which demonstrates how the optimal injection region and interval can be determined with the presence of a catheter for any geometric configuration. Additionally, the less abrupt injection functions (i.e., ramp and S-curve) were shown to provide a more compact particle stream, making them better choices for targeting. The results of this study aid in designing the smart micro-catheter (SMC) in conjunction with the MSA, bringing this innovative treatment procedure one step closer to implementation in clinical practice.
authors: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
authors: E M
authors: EM
authors: Childress
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Kleinstreuer
authors: A S
authors: AS
authors: Kennedy
mesh_terms: D057785:Catheters; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008863:Microspheres; D008954:Models, Biological; D013997:Time Factors